01/07/13 – Napali Coast State Wilderness Park On Kauai Reopens

Posted on Jan 7, 2013 in News Releases

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

 

NEIL ABERCROMBIE
GOVERNOR
WILLIAM J. AILA JR,
CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate Release January 07, 2013

Napali Coast State Wilderness Park On Kauai Reopens

 HONOLULU — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of State Parks has reopened the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park to the public for hiking and camping by permit at authorized campground areas.

Kauai County Police and DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) officers continue to search for a potentially dangerous fugitive who allegedly threw a park visitor from a cliff in Kalalau Valley on Sunday, Dec. 16, critically injuring her.

“The park’s status may change at any time as a law enforcement action continues,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson. “For their own safety, members of the public should heed posted notices at the Kalalau Trailhead, be alert to their surroundings while visiting the Napali Coast and never hike alone. The suspect could be anywhere on Kauai at this time,” he said.

“Our entire Kauai community is incredibly grateful to our Kauai Police Department, the Fire Department and our local DLNR personnel for putting forth a monumental effort in the search for Justin Wynn Klein,” stated Kaua’i Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr. “Unfortunately, Klein remains at-large and we hope the public will continue to be diligent in supporting our officers while the search for the suspect continues.”

Anyone with information on Klein’s whereabouts is urged to call CrimeStoppers at (808) 241-1887.

Calls may also be made to Kauai Police at (808) 241-1711, or DOCARE at (808) 274-3521.

Campers with overnight permits for Napali Coast State Wilderness Park who were unable to camp during the closure will be eligible for refunds or amended dates of stay. These persons should contact the Division of State Parks Kauai office at (808) 274-3444. Camping permits will again be issued online for dates starting today. Go to www.hawaiistateparks.org and click on “Online Reservations” to purchase a permit online.

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For more information news media may contact:

Deborah Ward
DLNR Public Information Specialist
Phone: (808) 587-0320