Department of Land and Natural Resources

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR

SUZANNE D. CASE CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release September 3, 2015

(Click on image to watch video of the 2014 Memorial Day patrol at Ahu O Laka) 

NO-ALCOHOL BAN IN EFFECT THIS LABOR DAY HOLIDAY 
WEEKEND AT AHU O LAKA SANDBAR, KANE‘OHE BAY

HONOLULU — A state boating administrative rule that is now permanent continues the ban on alcohol and drug use, and disorderly behavior, at the Kane‘ohe Sandbar, also known as Ahu O Laka.

It applies only to three-day holiday weekends, specifically Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day each year.  

Hawai‘i Administrative Rule 13-256-73.13 which was signed into law July 25, 2015 by Governor David Ige, prohibits possession, use or consumption of alcohol within the Ahu O Laka (the Kane‘ohe Sandbar) safety zone. The rule also prohibits a person under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or drugs from remaining in, or entering the safety zone, and prohibits disorderly behavior while in the safety zone.

Since implementation of the Ahu O Laka safety zone rule, accompanied by an on scene enforcement presence, holiday weekend conditions have been more peaceful and calm and families have said they felt safer to bring their children.

For more information, map and text of the rule change please visit: 
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dobor/draft-rules/

in 2015, the safety rule applies on the weekends of Memorial Day – May 23, 24 and 25; Independence Day – July 3, 4, and 5; and Labor Day – September 5, 6 and 7. In 2016 the safety rule will apply on May 28-30, July 2-4 and September 3-5.  

The new rule replaces the original three-year rule establishing a safety zone at the sandbar that first took effect Labor Day weekend in 2012. 

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Media Contact: 
Deborah Ward 
DLNR Communications Specialist 
Phone: (808) 587-0320