The Hawai‘i State Department of Land and Natural Resources announced on March 9 that several state parks and trails on Kauaʻi and Oʻahu will be closed because of a forecast for severe weather conditions.
These closures affect both residents and visitors who use the parks for recreation, camping, and hiking. The department said the measures are necessary to ensure public safety as hazardous weather approaches.
On Kauaʻi, Polihale State Park is closed to all day and overnight use starting at 3 p.m. on March 9. The Kalalau Trail is also closed until further notice from the same time. At Kōkeʻe State Park, campers staying overnight on March 9 may remain until 11 a.m. on March 10; after that, camping will be suspended until further notice. On Oʻahu, permitted vehicle access to the Mokulēʻia section of Kāʻena Point will close at 1 a.m. on March 10.
Officers with the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) and staff from the Division of State Parks are working together to notify campers and hikers in these areas about the closures and assist with evacuations.
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. The office also focuses on expanding healthcare access, addressing homelessness through housing programs, and supporting recovery from events such as wildfires according to the official website. Efforts include support for wildfire-impacted areas like Lahaina according to the official website.
The governor’s office influences policy through tax reform aimed at affordability and frames homelessness as a health care issue according to the official website. Collaboration with various entities advances renewable energy initiatives and addresses climate change according to the official website. The office operates within state governance with an emphasis on public policy related to housing and climate change according to the official website.
Broader implications of these park closures highlight ongoing challenges faced by Hawaii in managing natural disasters while continuing efforts in social recovery, environmental sustainability, and public safety.