DLNR Prepares For Arrival Of Hurricane Ana; Closures announced for state park and forest areas, harbors

Posted on Oct 17, 2014 in Announcements

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

NEIL ABERCROMBIE
GOVERNOR
WILLIAM J. AILA JR,
CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release October 16, 2014

DLNR PREPARES FOR ARRIVAL OF HURRICANE ANA
Closures announced for state park and forest areas, harbors

HONOLULU — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is advising the public to follow instructions of 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 Ana as early as Friday on the Big Island.

Presently a tropical storm but forecast to become a hurricane in state waters, Ana’s 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.  People are advised to avoid forested and coastal areas due to potential for rising streams, flash flooding, falling trees, storm surge or high surf. 

DLNR-managed areas closing today Thursday, Oct. 16:

  • · All state forest managed lands on Hawaii island were closed today, until further notice, including forest reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, natural area reserves, Na Ala Hele hiking trails, game management areas, including the Keanakolu cabins, Ainapo hiking trail and cabin, Muliwai trail and Waimanu valley campground. 
  • Scheduled weekend hunts at Puu Waa Waa and Puu Oo have been canceled.  
  • All state forest managed lands on Maui, Molokai and Lanai closed today, until further notice, including forest reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, natural area reserves, Na Ala Hele hiking trails, game management areas. 

Areas closing Friday, Oct. 17:

  • All State Parks on Hawaii island, Maui and Molokai will be closed on Friday, until further notice. Campers in remote coastal areas have been notified to leave.
  • All state-managed Kauai forest reserves, natural area reserves, trails, hunting areas and campgrounds will be closed on Friday, until further notice, including Waimea Canyon, Alakai Wilderness, Sugi Grove and Kawaikoi.
  • State small boat harbors on Hawaii island and Maui will be closed at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, until further notice.

Areas closed starting Saturday, Oct. 18:

  • All State Parks on Oahu will be closed until further notice. There will be no Friday night camping in Oahu park campgrounds.
  • All Oahu state forest areas, hiking trails and public hunting areas will be closed until further notice, including the Manoa Falls trail, and Peacock Flats camping area.
  •  All state-managed Kauai forest reserves, natural area reserves, trails, hunting areas and campgrounds will be closed until further notice, including Waimea Canyon, Alakai Wilderness, Sugi Grove and Kawaikoi.
  • All Kauai state parks are closed until further notice, including Napali Coast State Wilderness Park and the Kalalau trail. Trail closed signs will be posted at the Kalalau trailhead and campers at Kalalau beach were warned to evacuate or shelter in place.  
  • Oahu and Kauai small boat harbors will be closed at on Saturday, until further notice.  Boaters are advised to monitor VHF radio for Coast Guard information on port closures and other safety advisories.  
  • Issuance of all state forest camping and state park camping permits has been suspended until further notice. 

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Media Contact:

Deborah Ward
Public Information Specialist
(808) 587-0320