07/25/16 – Most State Parks, Forests Reopen as Darby Passes Main Islands

Posted on Jul 25, 2016 in News Releases, State Parks

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

DAVID Y. IGE
GOVERNOR
SUZANNE D. CASE
CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release July 25, 2016  

MOST STATE PARKS, FORESTS REOPEN
AS DARBY PASSES MAIN ISLANDS

HONOLULU – Most state parks and forests on Hawaii, Maui, Oahu and Kauai are reopening as state crews inspect these areas today. Most parks have reported no significant impacts from the storm. Forest areas are being assessed today. 

Still closed are Polipoli Springs State Recreation Area on Maui, and the Kalalau trail on Kauai.  

People should use caution when entering these areas due to possible presence of downed branches, high stream levels, possible mudslides, or flooded roads and trails. Please report downed trees, or other hazards to island parks or forestry offices*.  Check weather alerts for any flash flood watch or warnings that may be in effect.

STATE PARKS UPDATE (OPEN AND CLOSED)

All Hawaii Island State Parks are open.  Lapakahi State Historical Park visitor center is open, however the trails in the park remain closed. 

All Maui and Molokai State Parks are open except Polipoli Springs State Recreation Area on Maui.  This site will re-open as conditions allow. 

Oahu State Parks are open.  The Makua section on the West side of Kaena Pt. State Park remains closed.

Kauai State Parks and Kalalau Trail – The Kalalau Trail remains closed.   Although the storm has passed Kauai it brought heavy rains to each of the other islands as it passed them on its journey up the chain of islands.  Kauai may still experience rainfall even though the main part of the storm has passed north of the island.  

Persons holding camping or cabin permits for this past weekend who were unable to camp due to weather may request a refund from Division of State Parks, or an alternate date.

STATE FOREST RESERVES AND TRAILS OPENING STATUS:

Hawaii island forest reserves, natural area reserves, game management areas and hiking trails reopened today. Staff were doing damage assessments Monday. Anyone entering forest areas should use caution. Waimanu valley campground, and Keanakolu cabin will be opened up for reservations. Ainapo cabin in Ka’u will be checked tomorrow, weather permitting.  

State forestry crews are inspecting Maui and Oahu state forest areas today and will and reopen areas, as appropriate on Monday. Thus far no damage is reported on Hawaii and Maui islands.

*Contact Information for Divisions https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/contact/

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Media contact:
Deborah Ward
DLNR Communications specialist
Phone: (808) 587-0320