Park patrols praised for
decrease in illegal activity

Almost two weeks into the state's pilot program to crack down on illegal activity in state parks, small boat harbors and boat ramps, authorities say people seem to be getting the message.

"They've accomplished what they wanted to accomplish: One, let everybody know what they're doing, and second to make people feel a lot more safe in the parks," Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona said.

"They see less and less (illegal) activity in the parks," he said. "Basically, all they're seeing in the parks right now are park-goers, people who are enjoying the parks."

A big test for the program will be the upcoming Independence Day weekend.

Aiona said authorities in charge of the program are meeting weekly to plan patrol strategies.

"Being in law enforcement, you can't be predictable," he said. "That's the kind of stuff that they're keeping people off guard on."

The state Sheriff Division and county police departments, working with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, launched on June 15 the pilot program that involves teams of officers periodically patrolling the grounds of state parks, small boat harbors and boat ramps 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

While the program targets underage drinking and illegal drug use in state parks, patrols also would have the authority to make arrests for activity such as unruly behavior, theft and vandalism.

The DLNR, which oversees state parks, boat ramps and harbors, is the lead agency in the pilot program, which runs through Labor Day.

The DLNR is compiling statistics on what patrols have been finding and expects to issue its first findings in the coming weeks, officials said.

Michael Gaede, a spokesman for the state Public Safety Department, said authorities have made "a few" arrests, but he did not have an exact figure. Arrests have been for activity including a stolen car and drug violations.

"The first nine days has been pretty much getting out there and getting the message out," Gaede said. "It's a lot of warnings telling the folks that we're going to be in the parks all summer, here's what the rules are.

"From our end, we're feeling successful so far at least in getting the message out."

Agencies had said they hope to finish the pilot project this summer with their existing budgets and personnel and no excess overtime.

For example, the Sheriff Division rearranged schedules of some personnel to accommodate the program.

Gaede said staffing has not been a problem so far, but authorities will monitor the situation during the upcoming holiday weekend.

"That's another big test to set the paradigm for the whole summer," Gaede said. "We want to watch real close."

After Labor Day, authorities plan to study arrest and citation statistics to see if the patrols have had a significant effect.