Q. I can't believe state parks officials can't keep trash cans available at the Makapu'u lookout. Obviously, people are going to want to throw away cans, bottles and other rubbish, and some won't keep those items in their car until they find a convenient spot but will litter if no receptacles are there.

A. The trash issue is being addressed, said Deborah Ward, spokeswoman for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources. And a new hot line may help with that and other outdoor issues.

Ward said cans were placed, one each at the lookout and at the parking lot. If trash cans are stolen, she said the state will replace them as soon as possible. Further, she said enforcement crews have been asked to check at the lookout after hours.

To help with this and other state parks, natural and cultural resource issues, the Department of Land and Natural Resources established a new statewide enforcement telephone number: 643-DLNR (643-3567).

Ward said this 24-hour live answering system will help improve the receiving, reviewing and referring of calls about violations.

Department chairman Peter Young said, "This new system will allow DLNR to obtain more accurate and timely information that will help us identify where illegal activity may be taking place and where our limited enforcement resources could be better concentrated."

He said this is a statewide toll-free number. During normal business hours, (weekdays 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), calls to 643-DLNR will ring at the respective district office for the county where the call is placed.

After hours, and on weekends and holidays, calls will be directed to a central O'ahu-based answering service, Ward said.

The Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement enforces state laws and rules involving state lands, state parks, historical sites, forest reserves, aquatic life and wildlife areas, coastal zones, conservation districts, state shores, as well as county ordinances involving county parks. The division also enforces laws relating to firearms, ammunition and dangerous weapons.