Department of Land and Natural Resources

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

 

NEIL ABERCROMBIE GOVERNOR

WILLIAM J. AILA JR, CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate Release March 01, 2013

DLNR CLOSES AIHUALAMA TRAIL
TEMPORARILY DUE TO LANDSLIDE CONDITIONS

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) Oahu Na Ala Hele Trail and Access Program has issued a trail closure notice for the Aihualama Trail on the Island of Oahu.

“The current condition of the trail makes it impassable and it was necessary to close the area due to public safety concerns,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR Chairperson, “We appreciate the public’s patience during this closure.”

The Aihualama Trail closure began the afternoon of February 28, 2013, when DOFAW Na Ala Hele Trail and Access Program staff discovered that a large portion of the Aihualama Trail on the island of Oahu had been removed by a major landslide. The current condition of the trail makes it impassable and exposes trail users to falling rocks and a hazardous cliff. These conditions cannot be mitigated or removed in a timely fashion.

After careful discussion, Oahu Na Ala Hele staff determined to close the trail for public safety until it can be restored and hazards removed. In accordance with HAR 13-130-19 (1 & 2), the trail has now been temporary closed and emergency closure signs installed.

Additionally, notice of the closure has been posted online at

www.hawaiitrails.org,  the informational site for DOFAW Na Ala Hele Trail and Access Program.

Aihualama Trail traverses upper west side of Manoa Valley. There are two ways to access the trail head either from the Manoa Cliff Trail or from the Manoa Falls Trail at the end of Manoa Road past the entrance to Lyon Arboretum. The Aihualama trail head is approximately 150 feet from the base of Manoa Falls.

For more information on the Aihualama Trail on the island of Oahu visit,
https://www.hawaiitrails.org/trail.php?TrailID=OA+19+001

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For more information, news media may contact:

Laura Stevens,
DLNR Education and Outreach Coordinator

Phone: (808) 587-0320