DLNR REOPENS SOME MAUI, HAWAII STATE PARKS, FOREST AREAS AS FELICIA DISSIPATES

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources has reopened some state parks and forest reserves on Maui and the Big Island after tropical storm Felicia continued to weaken to a tropical depression and remnants with little rain and mainly surf and winds.

Island of Maui –
Still closed: ‘Iao Valley State Park due to the stream running high. Kula Forest Reserve, Waihou Spring Forest Reserve and Polipoli Spring State Park remain closed due to heavy showers and hazardous conditions. State forestry crews will check these areas tomorrow.
Now open: Wai‘anapanapa State Park, Kaumahina State Wayside, Makena State Park, the northern Waiala Cove and “Dumps” surf break section of ‘Ahihi Kina‘u Natural Area Reserve (the rest of the reserve is under a two year closure).

Island of Hawai‘i –
Still closed: Muliwai Trail and Waimanu Campground as well as ‘Ainapo Trail on the slopes of Mauna Loa are closed until further notice and all permits are suspended. An assessment of the area will be conducted after the storm passes.

Island of Kaua‘i –
Napali Coast State Park. Issuance of permits was suspended on Monday. State Parks expects to resume issuing camping permits for Kalalau by Friday August 14.

No closures were implemented for the island of O‘ahu.

Closure days may be extended depending on the storm status and any damages suffered at the parks or forest areas. DLNR will announce the reopening of these areas once they are assessed and determined to be safe for public use.