Department of Land and Natural Resources

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

NEIL ABERCROMBIE GOVERNOR

WILLIAM J. AILA JR, CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release December 20, 2013

THREE WEST HAWAII STATE PARKS CLOSED
TODAY DUE TO HIGH SURF

KAILUA-KONA,– The Department of Land and Natural Resources today closed three west Hawaii state parks in the interest of public safety, due to high surf. According to Hawaii County Ocean Safety this morning there were 10-15 foot waves breaking in Hapuna Bay, and washing all the way up to the vegetation line of the beach area. Division of State Parks has closed Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area and parking lot area, including the Waialea section The park will probably remain closed all day. DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers are assisting with the closure. The cabins and cabin area at Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area remain open.

At Kekaha Kai State Park, the Maniniowali (Kua Bay) section is closed, due to high surf. The Mahaiula section is more protected, so will remain open for the present and will be monitored by State Parks staff.

Also Lapakahi State Historical Park is closed due to waves breaking over the coastal trail area.

The public is asked to comply with the park closures until State Parks reopen these areas as ocean and wave conditions improved. For updates please call the State Parks office in Hilo at 961-9540.

Deborah Ward
Hawaii Dept. of Land and Natural Resources
Information Specialist
(808) 587-0320
fax (808) 587-0390