Later hours considered for Maui beaches

WAILUKU, Hawaii _ With sunset still arriving earlier every evening, parks officials on Maui say they may be willing to keep some beaches open later.

Gates to beach parks have been locked up at 7 p.m., partly to cut down on drunkenness, vandalism, disorderly conduct and other crimes at public beaches and parks.

Most of the popular parks in South Maui are closed to any after-dark activity.

But Maui Parks Director Tamara Horcajo says some residents have been asking that beaches be kept open as late as 9 or 10 p.m.

County officials heard such appeals at a recent meeting in the Kihei area and are expected to make a decision soon.