DRAINAGE WORK IN THE MAKAWAO FOREST CAUSES ROAD CLOSURES

(Posted by Wendy OSHER © 2009)

(Place image photo courtesy:  Forest & Kim Starr)

The access road to the Makawao Forest Reserve will be closed for about a month while crews work to conduct drainage improvements.  Work on Kahakapao Road began on February 2^nd, and should be complete by May 4, 2009, according to officials with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

The forest reserve boundary gate will be closed as work continues in the area.  Emergency response vehicles and County of Maui Department of Water Supply vehicles will be allowed access, but all other vehicles are asked to park below the gate and walk in until work is completed.  Crews will determine whether it is safe to open the gate on weekends to allow access to the public.

“The Makawao Forest Reserve consists mostly of non-native pines and eucalyptus and is enjoyed by hunters, hikers, bicyclists, equestrians and outdoors enthusiasts,” said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairperson.

“The area receives large amounts of rain annually which creates a drainage problem for the heavily used road.  The construction of the drainage swells will allow for better water management and help to sustain the road and drainage ditches for the future,” she said.