DLNR CLOSES KULA FOREST RESERVE ACCESS ROAD TO VEHICLES

The access road to the Kula State forest reserve is closed to vehicle access.  Officials with the state Department of Land and Natural Reosurces say heavy rains last week left muddy and unsafe conditions that prompted the closure.  Forestry crews are working to remove the dirt and fill-in washed-out road areas using heavy equipment.  Access beyond the paved portion of the road is by foot only for hikers and hunters until further notice.  The closure extends from the area adjacent to the `cement crossing’ to the Polipoli State Park and beyond.  Signs are posted and agency personnel have placed barricades across the dirt road.  Popular forest use activities such as hiking, hunting are still accessible, albeit very muddy.   “We’re concerned about public safety of anyone that would drive beyond this point under these conditions,” said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairperson.  “We’re asking those that do choose to drive up to the barricade and walk in, to proceed with caution.”  Hunters may access the area from alongside the paved portion of the access, within the hunting area.  The hiking trail system (Waiakoa Loop and Upper Waiohuli trails) can be accessed by walking in from the Kula Hunter Check station.  Those parking alongside the paved road are reminded to park off the road and not block the access in the event emergency response vehicles must pass.  The reserve access road is projected to reopen as soon as weather allows it to dry out and repaired. (Posted:  Monday, January 05, 2009)