MEDIA RELEASE

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources has closed certain state parks, forest reserves and other areas for public safety as Tropical Storm Felicia arrives in the islands.

Weather forecasts continue to anticipate Felicia continuing as a low end tropical storm with strong winds, possibility of localized heavy rains on all islands with high surf on all eastern facing shores that could even cross coastal roads.

The following area closures will take effect (more may be added as the storm nears other islands):

Island of Hawai‘i –
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 Maui –
Wai‘anapanapa State Park will be closed at 3 p.m. Monday and all day Tuesday. New camping permits will not be issued or will be cancelled for today and tomorrow. Anyone already staying at the cabins will be allowed to remain for their duration or until the storm passes.

Kaumahina State Wayside and Pua‘a Ka‘a State Wayside will be closed on Tuesday.

Polipoli Springs State Park will be closed at 2 p.m. Monday and on Tuesday. Camping permits will not be issued. This closure is in coordination with the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife closure of the Kula Forest Reserve.

Makena State Park will be closed on Tuesday.
‘Iao Valley State Park will be closed at 3 p.m. Monday and will remain closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. This is in coordination with Maui County’s closing of Kepaniwai Park which will be closed at 4 p.m. Monday and remain closed through Wednesday.

Kula Forest Reserve and Waihou Spring Forest Reserve will close on Monday at 2 p.m. as a precaution, in anticipation of high winds and heavy rainfall. DLNR Forestry crews are checking culverts and drainages in Kula Forest Reserve and will clear the area and post closure notices.

‘Ahihi Kina‘u Natural Area Reserve will be closed on Tuesday due to potential for flooding of the access road that would make any emergency response difficult.

Island of Kaua‘i –
Napali Coast State Park — effective Monday no new camping permits will be issued, as a precaution, until the weather situation improves.

No closures are in effect 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.

Residents of coastal areas should continue to be on the alert for sudden increases in surf heights. Be prepared for road closures and power outages. DLNR advises the public to stay clear of trails which may be subject to falling branches or streams which may be subject to flash flooding and coastal areas affected by high surf.

Boaters are urged to check their boats are securely moored and pumps working. Please check with weather reports and follow instructions by safety officials