Department of Land and Natural Resources

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR

SUZANNE D. CASE CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release December 25, 2015   

DENGUE FEVER RISK FORCES STATE LAND CLOSURE FOR PUBLIC SAFETY
Milolii Village and Honomalino Bay Areas Covered

(HILO) – For the safety of everyone, due to the dengue fever outbreak at Milolii, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has closed to the public all State unencumbered lands in the immediate vicinity of Milolii village and Honomalino Bay.  These include the parcels designated by Tax Map Key numbers: (3) 8-9-003:001 and (3) 8-9-004:007.

We’re recommending the closure of this area to all but essential personnel and residents of the areas.  This closure follows Hawaii County’s closure of Milolii Beach Park until further notice so crews led by Hawaii County Civil Defense can conduct mosquito control and pesticide treatments. State and county experts are now calling Milolii a hot spot in the dengue fever outbreak on the Big Island.

The latest number of confirmed dengue fever cases on the Big Island has risen to 180 as of Thursday afternoon, including 162 Big Island residents and 18 visitors.

Entry into closed lands is a violation of Hawaii Administrative Rule Sec. 13-221-4 and Hawaii Revised Statute 171-6, and is subject to a penalty of up to $5,000 for the first offense. 

Signs will be posted at various access points warning people of the hazardous conditions.

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Dan Dennison
Hawaii Dept. of Land and Natural Resources
Senior Communications Manager
Office of the Chairperson-Communications Office
1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 131
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 587-0407
[email protected]