Storm Damage Forces Closure of Kula Forest Reserve

By Wendy Osher

Soil and debris berm near end of the pavement. Photo courtesy Division of Forestry and Wildlife.

The Kula Forest Reserve and Polipoli Springs State Park were closed today due to weather-related damage to the park access road. The closure–which begins at the “white gate”–is expected to remain in effect through the end of the month.

Crews from the sate Forestry Division did a partial assessment of the area, but were faced with heavy debris and fallen trees. Officials say there is a soil and debris berm rising several feet, and previous repairs to the “cement crossing” were washed away.

Crews from the State Department of Land and Natural Resources plan to return to the area to fully assess conditions. Staff members will also evaluate any impacts from the cold front approaching the state later this week.

Cement crossing where concrete barrier posts were washed away. Photo Courtesy Dept. of Forestry & Wildlife.

Cement barriers (shown here) were installed following a severe storm in December of 2008. The barriers were washed away on Monday (1/10/11) during a Flash Flood Warning event on Maui. File Photo from June 2009 by Wendy Osher.

Fallen trees block the Kula Forest Access Road. Photo by Division of Forestry & Wildlife.