DLNR TO CLOSE HAPUNA BEACH, KEKAHA KAI STATE PARKS EARLY ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

KONA — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will close Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area and Kekaha Kai State Park early on New Year’s Eve, Thursday, December 31, 2009.

Hapuna Beach SRA, including the Waialea Bay section, and Kekaha Kai State Park, including the Kua Bay section, will both close at 5:30 p.m.

“We are closing the park early to discourage use of fireworks, which is prohibited in state parks, and to protect the public and natural resources of the area,” said DLNR chairperson Laura H. Thielen.

The Kekaha Kai State Park-Kaulana-Mahaiula and Maniniowali sections are normally closed all day on Wednesdays.

Normal park hours will resume on Thursday, January 1, 2010 as follows: Kekaha Kai State Park - 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area - 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.