the noise of constant helicopter traffic, are the major attractions of the valley. Legal campers stay outside the valley in the designated camping area within roughly of Kalalau beach. There is a small waterfall in this area that is used for bathing and washing dishes. At one end of the beach is a stream that is also used for fresh water. All the streams are susceptible to contamination with leptospirosis, a bacterium that is transmitted from the urine of infected rodents. Squatters In spite of the efforts of the state of Hawaii, some people illegally hike the Kalalau Trail and camp and even live in the valley. Visitors who do not have a permit are occasionally issued citations that require a court appearance and a fine of up to $500 for a first offense. On April 28, 2017, Cody Safadago, a man alleged to be living in Kalalau, was charged with stealing a truck and causing an accident that killed a Kauai woman the previous day, while he was driving drunk. This incident seems to have increased awareness of illegal activity in Kalalau Valley, and may have helped lead to a May 2017 crackdown on illegal campers in Kalalau by officers of the Department of Land and Natural resources (DLNR). Some Hawaii residents have posted online complaints about illegal campers in Kalalau, referencing videos posted online by some of those same campers. While some videos appear to have been removed, the anger among locals continues. Some feel contempt for what they call "hippies" and "squatters" who violate State law by camping without required permits - sometimes for months or longer - in the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, where Kalalau Valley is located. Some Kauai residents decry the camping by people they consider to be disrespectful of the land, citing reports of accumulating trash in the camps, and disrespect of the citizenry of Kauai through various illegal conduct of the illegal campers. Destruction of terraced gardens The terraced gardens in the Kalalau Valley are threatened by the introduced, invasive trees which create underground root networks invading the rock walls. The trees then fall and topple the rock walls causing permanent damage. The origin of the trees is disputed. Management of Kalalau Valley The valley is a part of the Nā Pali Coast State Park and the DLNR is responsible for its maintenance and preservation. References External links Camping permits