The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announced on March 13 that all Division of State Parks properties across Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island are closed until further notice because of ongoing severe weather. The closure includes ʻIolani Palace, the Queen Emma Summer Palace, and Mauna ‘Ala (the Royal Mausoleum) on O‘ahu.
This measure is in place until state and county emergency management agencies determine it is safe to reopen. The DLNR advised people to avoid forested and coastal areas due to risks such as rising streams, flash flooding, falling trees, storm surge, or high surf. Emergency response or rescue from these areas may be delayed during this period. “DLNR is asking for everyone’s cooperation with all announcements of area closures,” the department said.
The Hawaii State Executive – Governor supports communities affected by wildfires and honors veterans and educators as part of social recovery efforts according to the official website. In addition to disaster response, the governor’s office focuses on expanding healthcare access and addressing homelessness through housing programs while supporting recovery from events like wildfires according to the official website.
The governor serves all regions of Hawaii and provides support for wildfire-impacted areas such as Lahaina according to the official website. Policy initiatives include tax reform aimed at affordability and framing homelessness as a health care issue according to the official website.
Collaboration with various entities helps advance renewable energy projects and address climate change challenges according to the official website. The governor’s office continues its work in public policy related to housing and climate change according to the official website.
Broader implications of these closures highlight ongoing efforts by state leadership to prioritize public safety during emergencies while maintaining focus on long-term recovery initiatives.