INFAMOUS WAIʻANAE ENCAMPMENT GETS ANOTHER EXTENSION AFTER STATE PROMISED CLOSURE

News Release from Senate Republican Caucus, June 19, 2026

WAIʻANAE, OʻAHU – Just six days before the June 25, 2026, move-out deadline, Acting DLNR Chair Ryan Kanakaʻole approved another extension for the Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae encampment, pushing the closure date to October 16, 2026. The decision was made following discussions between Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae.

This marks the third extension granted since the original notice to vacate was issued. The initial deadline was November 27, 2025, followed by extensions to April 30, 2026, June 25, 2026, and now October 16, 2026. Community members argue that each extension has pushed back the long-promised closure of the encampment and restoration of Waiʻanae Boat Harbor, despite repeated assurances that the previous deadline would be the last.

"I am tired of being told to wait. For 20 years, our community has dealt with drug activity, crime, theft, and constant calls to HPD, yet we're expected to accept another extension. The State promised this would end. It didn't. Enough is enough." Kalei Salcedo, Wai’anae resident

PRESS CONFERENCE DETAILS

Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026

Time: 11:00 a.m.

Location:
Waiʻanae Boat Harbor
85-491 Farrington Highway
Waiʻanae, Hawaiʻi 96792