(BIVN) – The man accused of digging up part of the historic Punalu’u Wharf with a backhoe in June is now facing numerous fines before the Board of Land and Natural Resources.
Simon Velaj faces enforcement action in two agenda items before the land board: one for alleged unauthorized land use located in the conservation district, and another for the alteration of historic properties without a permit.
In a 53-page document detailing the incident, the Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands is recommending fines totaling $17,000 dollars, while the State Historic Preservation Division is seeking to levy a steeper penalty of $42,165 dollars.
The land board will vote on the recommendations at a Friday meeting on Oahu.
The incident drew the ire of locals who witnessed the activity, and confronted Velaj.
Confrontation Halts Punaluu Excavation (Jun. 26, 2017).
