Lānaʻi Watch

04/13/2025

For decades, the island of Lānaʻi served as the world’s largest pineapple plantation, operated primarily by Dole Food Company. This intensive agricultural monoculture heavily shaped both the land and the local economy, but its environmental consequences have been far-reaching and, in many ways, remain unresolved. The long-term use of pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers on the island has left behind a legacy of chemical contamination in the soil, much of which continues to leach into nearby waters through runoff—particularly during periods of heavy rain. These contaminants include persistent organic pollutants such as DDT, as well as herbicides like Atrazine and Diuron, and high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers.

This runoff not only disrupts terrestrial soil health but also severely impacts marine ecosystems, particularly around Lānaʻi’s southern coastline. Nutrient-rich runoff fuels the growth of harmful algae, including Gambierdiscus toxicus, a dinoflagellate responsible for producing ciguatoxins. These toxins accumulate in fish and can cause Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP) in humans, leading to serious neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms. Coral reefs, which act as natural barriers and habitats for marine life, are particularly vulnerable to sedimentation and chemical exposure. As reefs degrade and fish populations decline or become toxic, traditional fishing grounds that local families have depended on for generations are compromised.

Though the State of Hawaiʻi has at times placed blame on golf course runoff for contributing to coastal degradation, this narrative appears to ignore a more systemic and historical issue. The lasting environmental damage caused by pineapple over-cultivation—especially the unaddressed legacy chemicals in the soil—is a far more plausible root cause for the recurring presence of ciguatoxins in nearshore waters. Anecdotal and scientific observations have shown increased rates of CFP in areas directly adjacent to former pineapple fields, suggesting a direct link between past agricultural practices and present-day marine toxicity.

Compounding the problem is the recent development of affordable housing near or directly atop former plantation lands, raising serious public health concerns. These housing projects were built without comprehensive public disclosure or investigation into potential soil contamination. If toxic residues like DDT or Atrazine remain in these areas—and evidence suggests they very likely do—then residents could face long-term health risks from both land and sea.

It is time for the people of Lānaʻi, and the broader Hawaiian community, to demand independent environmental testing of former agricultural lands, stormwater runoff pathways, and coastal waters suspected of harboring ciguatoxins. Transparency and accountability are urgently needed, especially as large-scale landowners continue to develop the island without addressing its toxic legacy. Lānaʻi deserves more than silence—it deserves environmental justice, public health protections, and a future grounded in truth and sustainability.

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12/06/2024

Did you know it’s illegal for any landowner or individual to operate heavy machinery near the shoreline without an SMA assessment? At Hulopoe Beach Park, we identified equipment in clear violation of this law, marking it in red for documentation back in 2022. These violations were promptly reported to Maui County Zoning Enforcement, which issued multiple notices of violation, including a warning of Civil Penalties starting at $100,000 and additional daily fines of $10,000.

Ironically, while Hulopoe Beach Park prohibits drone use within the park, our investigation relied on drones to expose questionable activities by landowners. Operating these drones was entirely legal under Federal Law, as the launch, operation, and recovery occurred outside the park on public lands. The airspace above the park itself is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration.

12/05/2024

Testimony on Proposed Rule Changes at Hulopoe Beach Park, submitted 12.4.2024:

"Dear Hulopoe Beach Park Council,

My name is Russell deJetley and I’m writing to this council to formally submit testimony and express my strong opposition to the proposed rule changes for Hulopoe Beach Park concerning drones, unmanned vehicles, kites, and surfboards with fins exceeding 12 inches, with the sole exception of fireworks.

Your proposed restrictions on drones reflect a concerning disregard for existing regulations and an overreach of your jurisdictional authority. Current rules already prohibit the launch, operation, and recovery of drones within the park boundaries. Beyond this, State and Federal laws explicitly permit the operation of unmanned vehicles outside park boundaries—specifically below the high-water mark and on adjacent public lands. It is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), not this council, that governs the airspace above the park. Any attempt to assert authority over airspace or surrounding public lands is not only unwarranted but an egregious overextension of power. Furthermore, during emergencies—such as inflight technical failures or the presence of manned aircraft—Federal law allows drone pilots to land wherever necessary, including within the park. These protections are entirely absent from your proposed rules.

Pulama Lanai and its representatives have repeatedly demonstrated a fundamental misunderstanding of their jurisdiction. On multiple occasions, Hulopoe Beach Park Rangers have harassed me while I was lawfully operating drones outside the park’s boundaries. This interference led to two police reports documenting incidents of harassment and obstruction of lawful flight operations. Such actions are not only improper but also illegal under federal law. Specifically, 18 U.S.C. § 32 criminalizes interference with active flight operations. Your rangers knowingly violated this statute, attempting to assert control over flights that neither originated from nor were recovered within the park.

State laws already regulate the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles within State Parks in Hawaii, prohibiting their launch, operation, and recovery within park boundaries, but imposing no restrictions outside of them. Federal regulations, which govern specific drone operations, remain outside your scope of authority. Your efforts to expand these rules to include ground and aquatic vehicles are similarly unjustified and exceed the council’s jurisdiction.

For example, SB2065, signed into law by former Governor David Ige on June 27, 2022, explicitly limits drone usage only for fishing purposes, while other activities, such as marine life reconnaissance, are lawful. Similarly, submersible unmanned vehicles operate exclusively in aquatic environments, which are well outside your jurisdiction. Unless the ocean physically relocates onto park grounds—which would then fall under the State of Hawaii’s governance—aquatic vehicles should not even be under this council’s consideration. Such overreach is inappropriate and unsupported by any legal framework.

Furthermore, the proposal to restrict individuals from entering the park with unmanned vehicles, surfboards with fins exceeding 12 inches, or kites is a clear violation of the public’s right to transit through public rights-of-way. The 1987 Memorandum of Agreement between Lanai Company, Inc., and Lanaians for Sensible Growth ensures open access to the park, including parking. Denying entry or discriminating against individuals based on possession of items deemed “prohibited” violates this agreement. Prohibiting the mere possession—without operation—of these items within the park constitutes an unacceptable abuse of authority. Hulopoe Beach Park is obligated to honor the terms of this agreement and uphold public access rights.

Finally, I strongly support the prohibition of consumer-grade fireworks or other pyrotechnics within Hulopoe Beach Park. Fireworks are already prohibited on state beaches, and users frequently leave litter behind, creating environmental hazards. More critically, the tragic loss of life during the Lahaina wildfire highlights the catastrophic risk associated with such activities. Hulopoe Beach Park’s limited access—one way in and one way out—could result in hundreds of people being trapped in the event of a wildfire caused by fireworks. The use of fireworks, especially during high-risk times such as New Year’s, poses an unacceptable danger to park visitors and the surrounding area. I commend the major landowner for proactively staging water trucks to mitigate fire risks during aerial shows, but the risk posed by consumer-grade fireworks is too great to ignore.

In conclusion, while I oppose the council's other proposed rule changes, I firmly support the prohibition of consumer-grade fireworks. This measure is a necessary step to protect the safety of park visitors and preserve the environmental integrity of Hulopoe Beach Park. I urge the council to focus on this critical issue while respecting the jurisdictional boundaries established by federal, state, and local laws.

Respectfully,

Russell deJetley"

12/04/2024

This groundbreaking 2022 complaint was filed against Lanai Resorts, LLC, also known as "Pulama Lanai," and it marked a pivotal victory as the first recorded challenge against the island's dominant landowner. The complaint exposed their audacious attempts to block access and conduct unauthorized work with machinery requiring an SMA permit. Let it be clear: access to the ocean through Hulopoe Beach Park is sacred and shall never be obstructed. Any alterations within the SMA without adhering to the proper legal channels will not be tolerated. No exceptions, no excuses, no compromises!

05/13/2024

First Hawaiian Bank bragged about how much money they donated yet they closed their one and only Lānaʻi branch... 🫢

First Hawaiian Bank donated $5.2 million to community and nonprofit organizations in 2023. The contributions include: $2,480,437 in bank donations, $1,920,250 in First Hawaiian Foundation grants and $854,615 from the Bank’s employee-funded Kokua Mai campaign.

05/09/2024

Mayor Richard Bissen must be getting some sort of kick backs from Mokuele Airlines. Hey FBI, you looking into this?

Maui Mayor Richard Bissen is siding with Mokulele Airlines.

04/15/2024

"The history of corruption in Hawaiian politics and the influence wielded by both current and former landowners of Lānaʻi underscore the necessity for a comprehensive, multi-year investigation."

Russell deJetley - Investigative Journalist

**Viewer Discretion Advised: This report contains descriptions of the environmental harm and potential health hazards due to toxic chemical use in pineapple plantations. Some content may be disturbing for viewers. Viewer discretion is advised. **

04/11/2024

📢 Important Community Notice: Investigation of Lānaʻi's Historical Atrocities

We are conducting a thorough investigation into the severe injustices committed by both current and former landowners on the island of Lānaʻi. If you have stories, insights, or any information related to the legacy and ongoing effects of the plantation days, including any health implications, we urge you to come forward.

🔒 Your Privacy is Our Priority: Be assured that all information shared will be strictly confidential. Our protocols are designed to protect our sources under the strongest privacy guarantees provided by the United States Constitution and prevailing case law.

🎯 Our Mission: This investigation aims to uncover the truth and ensure that such tragedies are never repeated. We are committed to bringing justice and healing to our community.

📧 Share Your Story: Please email your experiences and any relevant information to: [email protected]

Together, we can help heal the wounds of the past and build a safer, healthier future for Lanai. Thank you for your courage and support.