Two dozen, Kaua‘i-based photographers participated in a virtual seminar, designed to help clarify rules and regulations associated with work on public lands. The meeting was a result of two commercial photography companies receiving cease-and-desist notices from the DLNR Division of State Parks, late last year, instructing them to remove photos from their websites and other platforms that were either shot in off-limits areas or without the required permit (s).

For years, the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau and the Kaua‘i Wedding Professionals Association have fielded  complaints regarding photography companies that take clients into areas that are clearly closed.

During the online seminar, presenters detailed what activities require permits, delineated differences in state and county rules, when multiple permits may be required, and discussed posting and tagging photographs responsibly.

The seminar was recorded and is now posted online as a resource for current and future commercial photographers. Future seminars are being planned to address other types of permitted commercial activities on public lands.