Mauna Kea Summit Road Reopened

Mauna Kea demonstration, 6.24.15. Photo credit: Andre Perez.

By Maui Now Staff

After performing remedial work and grading, the University of Hawaiʻi issued an announcement today saying the Mauna Kea Summit Access Road was reopened at 3 p.m. on Monday, July 13.

The announcement states that the reopening is subject to the emergency rule passed by the Board of Land and Natural Resources restricting access from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Governor David Ige released a statement responding to the news saying, “The State seeks to provide safe access to Mauna Kea summit by all lawful users. Unfortunately, the destructive actions of several individuals temporarily rendered the mountain road unsafe since June 24. I am pleased UH has reopened the road following its damage assessment and repairs.”

According to the UH announcement, vehicular access above the Halepōhaku mid-level facilities will be by four-wheel drive vehicles only. Two-wheel drive vehicles will not be allowed past the end of the paved road at Halepōhaku.

The Visitor Information Station and its restroom facilities will remain closed. Restrooms are available at the Mauna Kea Recreation Area and Puʻuhuluhulu at the junction of Saddle Road and the Mauna Kea Summit Access Road. Portable toilets for the public are available on the summit.