State Parks

KAILUA-KONA, HAWAI‘I – Planned improvements to Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area in Waimea between Kawaihae and Puako, are the subject of a community meeting taking place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2015, at the mauka dining hall in the park.

(HONOLULU) – William “Kai” Bishop Kaihe’ekai Maioho, has been chosen as the new Curator of the Royal Mausoleum at Mauna ‘Ala on Oahu. He starts October 21, 2015. He will be the 15th curator of the Royal Mausoleum, established in 1865 as the final resting place for the ruling monarchs of the Kingdom of Hawai’i, their families, and close advisors. Kai replaces his father, William “Bill” Maioho, who passed away earlier this year while serving as Curator.

(HONOLULU) - As a follow up to Friday’s court decision invalidating the emergency rule prohibiting overnight presence along the upper Mauna Kea road corridor, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) reminds people that camping in forest reserves and public hunting areas without a permit remains illegal under Hawaii Administrative Rules.

(HONOLULU) - Curt Cottrell, a 25-year-long employee of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, has been chosen as the next Administrator for the DLNR Division of State Parks. He replaces Dan Quinn, another veteran manager, who recently retired.

HONOLULU -- A rock fall today has resulted in closure of the ‘Aiea Loop Trail in Keaiwa Heiau State Recreational Area. No one was hurt.

HONOLULU – Due to the complex nature of the road repaving work and some weather delays in construction, the DLNR Division of State Parks is modifying the closure dates for the Makapu‘u Lighthouse Trail in Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline.

(HILO) - 19 officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE), with support from four Hawaii Police Department officers and a ranger with the Office of Mauna Kea Management, conducted a third law enforcement operation in the restricted area covered by the 120 day emergency rule, passed in June by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources.

HONOLULU -- The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of State Parks will close its campgrounds at the Kalanai (southern) section of Malaekahana State Recreation Area for approximately one month beginning September 20, 2015 for tree trimming and other needed maintenance.

The Dept. of Land and Natural Resources reached an understanding with protesters on Mauna Kea to remove a large tent across from the Mauna Kea Visitors Center. Yesterday officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) posted the tent as an illegal structure. Today in discussions with DLNR leadership, a protest leader agreed to remove the tent and to “lighten their presence” on the mountain. DOCARE officers will continue to monitor for the removal of illegal structures on the mountain.

HONOLULU - The Department of Land and Natural Resources will keep closed its coastal and low-lying state parks and forest areas (including wildlife sanctuaries, natural area reserves and game management areas) on all islands on Thursday morning until staff are able to monitor adjacent ocean conditions for safety before reopening them.