Antisemitic Swastikas Spray-Painted Along Sleeping Giant Trail Prompt DLNR Investigation

Swastikas were spray-painted on trees, rocks and a bench along the popular Sleeping Giant Trail on Nounou Mountain in East Kaua‘i, prompting an investigation led by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. Local leaders condemned the vandalism as an attack on community safety and inclusion, and state conservation officers have classified the incident as a criminal property damage case.

Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami issued a joint statement condemning the act. “We are aware of and strongly condemn the antisemitic vandalism that occurred this past weekend on Nounou Mountain, along the Sleeping Giant Trail,” Kawakami said. “This kind of hateful behavior is not who we are as a community, and it has no place on Kaua‘i. We are a community guided by aloha, respect and inclusion, and efforts to intimidate, spread fear, or divide us have no place here. We remain committed to ensuring Kauai‘i is a safe and welcoming place for all residents and visitors.”

The Department of Land and Natural Resources identified Kaua‘i DOCARE, the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement, as the lead investigating unit because the trail lies on state-managed land. Andrew Laurence, DLNR communications director, said, “With the facts and circumstances known at this time, Kaua‘i DOCARE (Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement) is classifying this case as criminal property damage in the third degree, as this section of the law specifically articulates damages to trees.” DLNR reported the graffiti was removed using “a non-toxic, biodegradable, citrus-based degreaser, water and scrubbing implements.”

Local law enforcement said they are assisting the state agency. “The Kaua‘i Police Department is aware of recent vandalism on Nounou Mountain, along the trail commonly known as the Sleeping Giant Trail,” Chief Elliott Kalani Ke said, and added that KPD is providing assistance to DLNR as needed. Kauai Now reported that KPD is not conducting a separate investigation; the department has said its role is supportive to the DLNR-led probe.

Accounts differ on some details. Honolulu Star-Advertiser and The Garden Island reported that 14 swastikas were found and that hiker Jennifer Carey, who is Jewish, called police after discovering the graffiti on Sunday. Kauai Now published an interview in which Carey said she “felt in danger” after seeing spray-painted swastikas for about a half mile, and also reported that a Kaua‘i Police Department spokesperson said Carey never reported the incident to law enforcement. Those accounts remain inconsistent as investigators continue to gather evidence and statements.

Members of Kaua‘i’s Jewish community expressed outrage and fear. Lauren Miller, board president of the Jewish Community of Kauai, is working with the mayor’s office on a mayoral proclamation in support of the Jewish community, requesting antisemitism training for KPD, and seeking a county event celebrating Jewish culture.

The legal classification carries potential penalties. DLNR noted the incident is being treated as criminal property damage in the third degree, a misdemeanor; DLNR quoted statutory language that a conviction under the cited subsection requires at least 90 days in prison with no eligibility for probation or suspension of sentence.

Investigators have asked the public to help. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Department of Land and Natural Resources at (808) 643-DLNR or Kaua‘i Police Department Dispatch at (808) 241-1711. In emergencies call 911. The investigation and community response will determine whether further criminal charges or local policy measures follow; for now, county leaders say the incident has renewed calls for education, policing training, and public solidarity to keep Kaua‘i safe and welcoming.