(AP) — Hawaiʻi state officials say a surge in tourists is leading to increased harassment of sea turtles on a popular North Shore Oʻahu beach. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports hoards of people are crowding turtles at Laniakea Beach Park, known as Turtle Beach. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources says increased patrols are being dispatched to enforce laws against approaching the turtles. Harassment of turtles and endangered Hawaiian monk seals led Gov. David Ige to warn that violators will be prosecuted if caught. A turtle conservation group says some packs of 200 people have been recorded crowding around turtles.
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