State Seal

 

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

 

News Release

     LINDA LINGLE              

           GOVERNOR

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

                                                                                                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                               PETER T. YOUNG, CHAIRPERSON

                                                                                                                                              Phone: (808) 587-0401

                                                                                                                                              Fax: (808) 587-0390

                                                                                                                                             

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release: February 22, 2007

  

Fallen Tree Closes Muliwai Trail

HILO – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has closed the remote Muliwai Trail on the island of Hawai‘i, due to a very large tree which fell on the trail near the trail’s half-way point. The fallen tree was recently reported by a hiker, who was unable to get past the tree, estimated at about four feet in diameter and about 80 feet tall.

The trail closure comes just two weeks after completion of maintenance work on the 18-mile trail and the Waimanu campground following the October 15, 2006 earthquake.

“We plan to clear the trail as soon as possible, but it is a logistical challenge due to the remoteness of the site. We need to get a crew scheduled and arrange for a helicopter to bring in the manpower and equipment – this could take a few weeks,” said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson.

"We appreciate the public's patience and understanding as we work to ensure the safety of the trail,” Young said.

Camping permits will not be issued for Waimanu Valley campground until the trail is once again passable.

The trail head of the 18-mile Muliwai trail is accessed through Waipi‘o Valley, located at the end of Highway 240 near Honoka‘a. The trail zigzags up the western wall of Waipi‘o Valley on the Big Island, climbing approximately 1,200 feet to the plateau.

It then leads across the plateau area to Waimanu, crossing 12 gulches that are up to 500 feet 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.

For information on Muliwai Trail, visit the Na Ala Hele web site at: www.hawaiitrails.org/trail.asp?TrailID=HA+35+001&island=Hawaii.


# # #

 

For more information, media may contact:
Deborah Ward
DLNR Public Information Specialist
Phone: (808) 587-0320