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 August 24, 2016 

RENOVATIONS WILL LIMIT PARKING AND DELAY TRAFFIC AT ‘AHIHI-KINA‘U NATURAL AREA RESERVE FROM AUGUST 29 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30

KAHULUI – Visitors to the ‘Ahihi-Kina‘u Natural Area Reserve and Keone‘oi‘o (La Perouse Bay) area are advised that renovation of the Kanahena parking area is expected to create limited parking and traffic delays from August 29 through September 30.  

No parking will be available in the Kanahena lot during those dates.  Limited parking will be available only at, 1) the Reserve entry point lot, and 2) Keone‘oi‘o parking area (see map).  Parking for a maximum of 50 cars is expected to be at capacity between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm.  Reserve visitors are encouraged to arrive early or make other arrangements.  Keone‘oi‘o, Kanahena Beach, and the Cove will remain open but will require slightly longer walks from parking areas using temporary, unimproved trails.  Closed-toe shoes with ankle support are strongly recommended. 

Heavy equipment and construction vehicles will be operating on narrow roads with traffic control.  Motorists are reminded that parking on the Reserve road or shoulder, or stopping on the road to load and unload passengers inside the Natural Area Reserve, is prohibited.  Drivers who stop or park on the Reserve road will obstruct heavy equipment and will be promptly cited and towed at the owner’s expense.  For more information, contact Peter Landon at the Division of Forestry and Wildlife at (808) 873-3969 or view the full management plan for the Reserve at:  https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ecosystems/files/2013/07/Ahihi-Kinau-NAR-Management-Plan.pdf

As a reminder, portions of ‘Ahihi-Kina‘u are CLOSED August 1, 2016 through July 31, 2018. Access to the northern and most often-visited portions of the reserve will be allowed during posted visiting hours of 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily

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Media Contact: 
Deborah Ward
DLNR Communications Specialist
Phone: (808) 587-0320