The Department of Land and Natural Resources has advised residents against burning Christmas trees on the beach over the New Year’s holiday.
For years, burning old Christmas trees in a bonfire on the Kāne‘ohe Bay sandbar has been a holiday tradition for many. However, this pastime is illegal, and can damage the bay’s marine ecosystem, the DLNR advised Tuesday.
Kāne‘ohe Bay is a state wildlife sanctuary, DLNR warned, and fires can deposit ash into the bay that can impact marine life and wash up elsewhere in the bay.
Meanwhile, open burning is broadly prohibited throughout the state save with a valid permit from the Department of Health. Open burning without a permit incurs a $100 fine for a first violation and a $300 fine for a subsequent one.
Consequently, DLNR’s Division of Conservation and Resources will patrol Kāne‘ohe Bay over the next several days to prevent illegal fires.
DOCARE Chief Jason Redulla said in a statement Tuesday that tree bonfires have become less common over the last few years, which he attributed to public awareness about the environmental impacts of the fires and their illegality. In 2022, DOCARE encountered no Christmas tree burnings for the first time in years, according to contemporary reporting.
“We’ve posted officers on shore and on the water in the past, to make checks and deter illegal activity, and will do so again this year,” Redulla said.
DLNR, therefore, requests that any witnesses of tree fires report them to DOCARE by calling (808) 643-DLNR (3567) with a date, time and location of the incident. Photos, videos, and descriptions the perpetrators are also helpful, although DOCARE also warns people not to put themselves in harm’s way.
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