AHU O LAKA, Hawaiʻi (KHON2) -- We are officially four days into the new year and Department of Land and Natural Resources officials stress that those who still have their Christmas trees dispose of them properly. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You DLNR's Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement reminds residents that burning Christmas trees on Ahu o Laka, otherwise known as Kāne‘ohe Bay sandbar, is illegal. In the days following Christmas, residents are caught in illicit Christmas tree-burning activities at the sandbar. How to properly dispose of your Christmas tree Ahu o Laka holds deep cultural significance for Native Hawaiians and other local residents, serving as "a designated state wildlife sanctuary, home to diverse marine life and coral ecosystems." When Christmas trees are burned in the area, harmful debris can be released into the ocean and harm fragile resources. "People haul their trees to Ahu o Laka by boat, and burning them not only violates the law, it is disrespectful and harmful to this special place," said Jason Redulla, DOCARE Chief. In response to the annual practice, DLNR officials will increase officer presence on shore and on the water to deter illegal activity. “Public awareness that this activity violates laws and rules and causes harm to the surrounding marine ecosystem has increased, and we’re encouraged by the recent trend to comply with the rules," Redulla added. The public is asked to be on the lookout to help safeguard Hawaiʻi's resources. Find more Hawaii, Oahu, Maui and Kauai news here If you witness anyone conducting illegal activities, call (808) 643-DLNR or use the free DLNRTip app available for iPhone and Android devices.