Maui Trails Considered For Na Ala Hele Program

The state is seeking approval to include Maui’s Ohai and Kahakapao Loop Trails into its list of inventory as part of the island’s Na Ala Hele Trail and Access program.

Forest Reserve Land in Upcountry, Maui. Photo by Wendy Osher.

The 1.2 mile Ohai trail in Kahakuloa begins and ends at Poelua Point in the West Maui Forest Reserve.  The 5.7 mile Kahakapao trail loops through the Makawao Forest Reserve.

The Na Ala Hele Program was established more than 20 years ago in response to concern about the loss of public access and the threat to historic trails from development pressure.

Environmental Assessment were completed for both trails with a Finding of No Significant Impact. A subsequent vote by the Maui Na Ala Hele advisory council on June 17, 2009 was unanimous in favor of adding both the Ohai Loop Trail and Overlook, and the Kahakapao Loop Trail to the program trail inventory.

The recommendation goes before the Board of Land and Natural Resources for consideration this Wednesday, July 22, 2009.

(Posted by Wendy Osher)