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 November 2, 2016   

CAMP 10 ACCESS ROAD AND BRIDGES
TO CLOSE FOR REPLACEMENT CONSTRUCTION

WAIMEA, KAUAI – Three (3) bridges along the Mohihi-Camp 10 Access Road in the Na Pali-Kona state forest reserve will undergo construction to replace them, starting Monday, November 7, 2016 through May 31, 2017. The existing bridges were built in 1925 and 1926 by the Kekaha Sugar Company.    Two of three existing bridges are constructed with railroad steel members which have corroded over time.  The other bridge is constructed out of concrete and shows sign of failing. Project contractor is Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. and the project cost is $2,414,000.

The Mohihi-Camp 10 Road is a four-mile long dirt road that provides access to many of the Forest Trails and Alakai Swamp Trails. The road starts 100 yards past Kokee State Park headquarters, on the right side of Kokee Road (Route 552) heading up. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is required for passage, and only during dry conditions because of steep and exceedingly slippery and muddy road conditions when rainy. 

The area will not be closed to the public.  All camp sites, trails and public hunting areas will remain open.  The only difference will be that there will be no vehicle access during the construction period, all users will need to hike in.

The new bridges will be constructed using pre-cast concrete.  The location of the bridges presented construction challenges of transporting material and concrete.  Pre-cast concrete panels were selected as the preferred material for longevity and speed of construction. This construction method insures minimal to no impact to the existing stream, flora and fauna. 

New bridges will prolong vehicle access along the unpaved Camp 10 Access Road for locals and visitors for years to come. They will improve access by Division of Forestry and Wildlife personnel to maintain the recreational facilities and natural resources and to prevent and fight forest fires. 

This project will only be replacing the corroded and failing bridges.  The capacity of the bridges will allow access for hunter and camper vehicles, as well as critical forestry emergency rescue and firefighting crews and maintenance personnel. 

These bridges will not improve road conditions to make it easier for 2-wheel drive vehicles to access the area.  The road will remain a dirt access road and will continue to be maintained as such. 

During the construction period, the road will be closed only to vehicle traffic. The road will be closed at the end of Kumuwela Flats. Vehicular access will be available on Kumuwela Road and to the Berry Flats Trail.

Pedestrian traffic will be allowed to access the area both through the Mohihi-camp 10 road and via the Pihea trail. Parking for pedestrian access on Mohihi-Camp 10 Road will be allowed along the sides of Kumuwela Flats. 

DLNR reminds everyone that during construction, access points will be limited and that all Na Pali-Kona Forest Reserve users will need to share the pedestrian footbridge, road and trails.  The Forest Reserve System is managed for multiple use, therefore mutual respect and safety measures should be extended to one another.  Hunters or hikers with dogs must keep their animals on a leash and under restraint at all times.

 

Media contact:

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