"The area that the incident occurred in was clearly not part of the permitted access area to those companies," says Department of Land and Natural Resources Director William Aila.
Madoff had been exploring tide pools with the kayak tour group Hawaii Pack and Paddle. An almost week long search for him was suspended yesterday.
One month ago tragedy struck another family when a 12 -year-old girl with a rock climbing group from Camp Erdman was hit by a rock that fell and struck her on the head, causing critical injuries. The DLNR says that rock climbing as a commercial activity would require a permit from the department – and none had been granted.
"I think based on these two incidences it probably sends a strong signal to DLNR that they make efforts to ensure that the permits are being followed," said Robert Harris, Sierra Club Hawaii.
The DLNR says it has stepped up enforcement to look for these types of activities in areas that are un-permitted. But officers can’t be everywhere.
"If you are the operator of a permitted activity it behooves you to follow your permit. So don’t blame us that you aren’t fulfilling the requirements of your permit," said Aila.
The DLNR says the reason why access was limited in the area where Madoff went missing, is because the site is sacred to Native Hawaiians.
"So if there are instances of people violating that law or that regulation we certainly would like to hear from the public where these things are occuring so we can address them," said AIla.
"We know that if you do certain things it’s likely to put people in harm and that’s why these permits are carefully scrutinized and that’s why they are important," said Harris.
Hawaii Pack and Paddle has not commented regarding its permit. The DLNR says any decision whether enforcement action is taken is pending the outcome of the investigation.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
