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 August 6, 2014

DLNR CLOSES ADDITIONAL AREAS IN ADVANCE OF
ARRIVAL OF ISELLE AND JULIO STORM SYSTEMS

Land Board meeting cancelled on Friday August 8

HONOLULU — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announces additional closures to its state-managed park and forest lands as precautionary measures for public safety before arrival of two storm systems in Hawaii. The areas will remain closed until the storm systems have passed and personnel can assess them for possible damage or downed trees and any repairs that may need to be scheduled. Status updates will be provided as soon as available.

The Board of Land and Natural Resources meeting scheduled for Friday, August 8, has been cancelled due to the approaching storms. Items on this agenda will be deferred to the August 22 meeting.

DLNR is advising the public to follow instructions of the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (formerly State Civil Defense) and County Civil Defense agencies to prepare for the possibility of heavy rain, flooding, strong winds, power outages, large surf and coastal surge with the arrival of tropical storm system Iselle as early as Thursday on the Big Island.

Both Iselle, and Julio in its wake, are evolving storm systems whose track and intensity may be affected by various weather factors. However, people should heed weather reports and be ready in event of emergency situations.

DLNR is asking for the public’s cooperation with this announcement of area closures as the storms approach. Additional closures may follow as the storms approach. People are advised to avoid forested and coastal areas due to potential for rising streams, flash flooding, falling trees or high surf.

Areas being closed today:
Hawaii and Maui —

• All Division of Forestry and Wildlife managed lands on Hawaii and Maui will be closed by 6 p.m., including forest reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, natural area reserves, forest hiking trails, and game management areas, until further notice.
• On Hawaii island this includes Keanakolu cabins, Ainapo hiking trail, Muliwai trail and Waimanu valley campground.
• The Division of State Parks will close state parks on Hawaii island, Maui and Molokai at 6 p.m. They will remain closed until further notice.

Maui County —

• By 6 p.m., Maui DOFAW will close all of its managed lands, including forest reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, natural area reserves, Na Ala Hele hiking trails, game management areas including the game management area on Lanai; this closure also affects Polipoli State Park (persons with camping permits are being notified). Closures are until further notice.

Oahu —

• By 6 p.m. Oahu DOFAW will close the Manoa Falls trail to hiking and Peacock Flats to hiking and camping.

Kauai —

• By 6 p.m. Kauai DOFAW camping areas, including Waimea Canyon, Alakai Wilderness, Sugi Grove and Kawaikoi will be closed.
• This morning Division of State Parks closed Napali Coast State Wilderness Park and the Kalalau trail was closed to entering hikers. Trail closed signs were posted at the Kalalau trailhead. A helicopter was sent out today to warn campers at Kalalau beach to evacuate or shelter in place.

DOFAW has suspended issuing camping permits for state forest campgrounds.
Division of State Parks has suspended issuance of any new park camping permits statewide that would begin before Tuesday August 12th. This directive may be modified island by island as the track of the storms and their effects become known. Persons holding camping permits will need to find alternate lodging and may either reschedule or receive refunds for dates while the parks were closed due to the storms.

Areas being closed on Thursday:
Oahu —

• All state parks will be closed by 7:45 p.m. Thursday evening (Diamond Head will close at 6 p.m.) and will remain closed until further notice.
• The Division of Forestry and Wildlife will close its all of its managed lands on Oahu starting at 6 a.m. tomorrow, Thursday, August 7. This includes all state forest reserves, natural area reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and game management (public hunting) areas, and Na Ala Hele Trails. State forest camping areas will be closed no camping and hunting permits will be issued until further notice.

Kauai —

• The Division of Forestry and Wildlife will close its all of its managed lands on Kauai starting at 6 a.m. tomorrow, Thursday, August 7. This includes all state forest reserves, natural area reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and game management (public hunting) areas, and Na Ala Hele Trails. All access roads and gates including Hunting Units A, C, E, H and J will be closed until further notice. State forest camping areas will be closed no camping and hunting permits will be issued until further notice.
• All state parks will be closed by 6 p.m. Thursday evening and will remain closed until further notice.

Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) does not plan to close any state small boat harbors but is advising boaters to monitor VHF radio for Coast Guard information on port closures and other safety advisories. Boaters are responsible to secure their vessels and any loose items stored nearby. In addition, make sure the bilge pumps are operational and batteries are fully charged. The “Hawaii Boater’s Hurricane and Tsunami Safety Manual” can be found online

Stay safe everyone!

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Media Contact:
Deborah Ward
Public Information Specialist
(808) 587-0320