Officials struggle to keep visitors out of closed Maui parks

WAILUKU, Hawaii (AP) - Though hazardous conditions caused by flooding have closed two parks on Maui, many tourists are still trying to visit.

Park officials and residents say they have to turn visitors away from Kepaniwai Park and Iao Valley State Monument every day despite signage and notices denoting the parks’ closure, The Maui News reported (https://bit.ly/2m1DLK4 ).

“We put up signs and people walk right past,” said Larry Pacheco, Maui district superintendent of state parks for Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.

DLNR officials say work began last week to stabilize the bank alongside the Iao Valley parking lot. With heavy equipment present, hikers could be injured or delay work.

“We realize this is a major disappointment for the thousands of visitors who have a trip to the state monument on their must-see lists,” said Curt Cottrell, a state park administrator. “(But) anytime construction has to stop because of the presence of unauthorized individuals, it could have the impact of delaying the ultimate reopening of the park.”

Heavy rains and flooding in September damaged homes and portions of both parks, which have been closed and under repair ever since. Officials say Kepaniwai is three to six weeks away from reopening. Iao Valley is slated to reopen in June.

When Iao Valley State Monument was open, it averaged about 1,800 visitors daily.

Iao Valley resident Charlie Pico said he is tired of warning away visitors. He said eager would-be hikers often block the way for residents trying to get out.

“If I don’t stand here and do this, look how many cars would be here,” Pico said. “I got better things to do than stand out here.”

Maui County has tried to spread the word that the parks are closed through the Maui Hotel and Lodging Association, but those who aren’t staying in the major resorts may not get the message.

“We certainly don’t want anyone to get hurt because they chose to ignore more than a half-dozen ’closed’ signs,” Cottrell said. “Our staff and contractors are working diligently to repair the damage and restore Iao Valley State Monument to its pre-flood condition. We have always said that we hope to reopen the park sometime in June 2017 and ask for everyone’s kokua to help make that happen … by not trespassing into closed areas.”

___

Information from: The Maui News, https://www.mauinews.com