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DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES News Release LINDA LINGLE GOVERNOR _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PETER T. YOUNG, CHAIRPERSON
Phone: (808) 587-0401
Fax: (808) 587-0390
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For Immediate Release:
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HILO — The Department of Land and Natural Resources has closed three Big Island hiking trails effective immediately, pending inspection by trail crews. The three trails are the Muliwai trail in Hamakua district, Ala Kahakai trail in Kona district (Puakea bay segment), and the Pololu Valley trail in North Kohala district. The trails were closed following Sunday’s 6.6 earthquake on the Kona coast of the Big Island. “We are closing these areas to protect members of the public until we can verify the safe condition of these wilderness trails,” said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson. Permit holders have been notified by the Hilo DLNR Forestry and Wildlife office. No new permits will be issued for Waimanu Valley Campground during the trail closure. For information on current trail conditions, please call the Hilo DLNR Forestry and Wildlife office at (808) 974-4221. The head end of the 18-mile Muliwai trail is accessed through Waipio Valley, located at the end of Highway 240 near Honokaa. The trail zigzags up the western wall of Waipio Valley on the Big Island, climbing approximately 1,200` to the plateau. It then leads across the plateau area to Waimanu, crossing 2 streams and 12 gulches that are up to 500` deep, then descends another 1,200 feet into Waimanu Valley. It takes an estimated 7 hours to hike the 11 miles to and from Waimanu Valley. The Ainapo trail is located in the Kapapala Forest Reserve on the slope of Mauna Loa. The Pololu trail is a section of the Old Government Road to Awini, and begins at the end of the paved Hawi-Niulii road in North Kohala. The steep and sometimes slippery trail goes down the face of the cliff (420`)to just behind the shoreline. Ancient cobble stones are still embedded in sections of the trail. # # # For more information media contact: |
