UPDATE: 9/24/20 - OAHU - Starting Sept. 24th groups of five people will be allowed in OPEN State Parks, as well as, State beaches and trails. Canopy-type structures are not permitted at this time at State parks, beaches and trails.
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9/24/20 - OAHU - Starting Sept. 28, Waahila Ridge State Recreation Area will be CLOSED during weekdays for HECO work.
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9/22/20 - OAHU - Comfort Stations at Sand Island SRA are currently CLOSED for repairs.
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9/18/20 - HAWAII ISLAND - All State Coastal & Beach Parks on the island of Hawaii Remain CLOSED Through September 30, 2020. This measure mirrors the Mayor\'s Covid-19 Emergency Rule No. 11.
All State Parks on Oahu Closing Effective Friday at Midnight
Posted on Aug 6, 2020August 6, 2020
All State Parks on Oahu Closing Effective Friday at Midnight: Closure Plan Mirrors City & County of Honolulu’s Act with Care – Do Not Gather Order
(Honolulu) – Large, unauthorized gatherings, social crowding, and disregard for compliance with COVID-19 safety rules is leading to the closure of all DLNR Division of State Parks units on the island of O‘ahu. The effective closure dates mirror those of the City and County of Honolulu’s Act with Care – Do Not Gather order, also released this afternoon by Mayor Kirk Caldwell, with the approval of Governor David Ige. This means parks will close after midnight tomorrow and remain closed at least until midnight on Sept. 4, 2020.
DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, “The current surge of COVID-19 cases on O‘ahu requires im-mediate action for public health and safety. This surge has been attributed to not wearing pro-tective facemasks, being in large social gatherings, and some people simply ignoring the health practices that have been implemented to try and get coronavirus under control.”
The closure includes all O‘ahu State Parks, Waysides, Lookouts, Scenic Shorelines, Recreation Areas, and Monuments. Camping is suspended and includes, Ahupua’a o Kahana State Park, Keaiwa State Recreation Area, Malaekahana State Recreation Area (both the for the Kalanai and Kahuku sections) and Sand Island State Recreation Area. Authorized management activi-ties will continue and comfort stations may be subject to closures. Parks with authorized tenants will remain closed but management will remain on site.
The grounds of Iolani Palace remain closed, but the palace itself remains open for tours.
State Parks Administrator Curt Cottrell said, “Our park units and ambient trails, resources and beaches provide a critical respite, diversion and recreational experience from the emotional challenges of COVID-19, but due to the mounting reckless and utter disregard to wearing face-masks and the simple and well known social distancing protocols, these areas must be now be closed. We have observed an increasing number of people ignoring protocols that have been drilled into our society to protect our collective safety. It is unfortunate at a time when we need access for exercise, health and peace of mind that certain behaviors require rapid and a defini-tive unilateral action by the City and County of Honolulu and the State of Hawai‘i.”
O‘ahu State Parks are being closed for consistency with today’s orders from the City and County against gathering.