HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The city has launched a new program aimed at targeting the city’s beach parks to detect illegal commercial activity.
The Park Service calls them “Park Rangers”.
The city has invested approximately $800,000 in this program.
Officials say this is an “evaluation” program because rangers have no enforcement powers and focus on education and documenting illegal activity by patrolling more than 400 parks on Oahu. increase.
“We want to be able to see what kind of unauthorized commercial activity is going on. head park ranger Reina Diamond said.
Diamond said it will primarily focus on beach parks like Kailua and Waimanalo, where many commercial activities are prohibited, but will also focus on Waikiki, where commercial activity is allowed with the proper permits. .
The news is a step in the right direction for some members of the Waimanalo Neighborhood Commission, who say they are trying to stop illegal activity at the park.
“Members of our community don’t have to spend all day sitting on the beach to stop people from breaking the law,” said officer Capua Medeiros.
On the other hand, some are skeptical.
“I’ve been in the tourism business for 40 years and I can tell you it’s going to suck…it’s not going to work,” said Hawaii Tour Expert Steve Walther.
City officials said a crackdown was a possibility in the future.
The Park Ranger position is paid $19.72 an hour.
Officials say they are looking for someone familiar with Oahu with good communication and interpersonal skills. They hope to have at least five park rangers patrolling the park by this summer.
If you are interested in applying to become a park ranger, you can apply here.
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