A visitor filmed herself bypassing closure signs at Waiʻānapanapa State Park during Tropical Storm Nolo in late September 2026, drawing public anger and raising questions about enforcement. The park was shut down along with other Maui state parks due to flash flooding, dangerous surf, and falling debris.
- Waiʻānapanapa State Park was closed as part of a broader Maui-wide shutdown of state parks and forest lands during Tropical Storm Nolo.
- A visitor’s TikTok video showed her entering past a locked gate and closure signs and removing rocks from the park, both potentially criminal acts under Hawaii law.
- Entering posted closed state land is classified as a petty misdemeanor under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 708-814.7.
- The incident fueled frustration among Maui residents over visitors ignoring safety closures during severe weather.
- The tourist publicly apologized two days later, but whether authorities will pursue charges remains unclear.
Source: Hoodline
Share this article
