DLNR lands on Kauai closed for ‘foreseeable future’ due to storm damage

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – All Department of Land and Natural Resources lands on Kauaʻi remain closed indefinitely after Hurricane Lowell left widespread damage across the island.

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The public is urged to avoid Kōke‘e State Park and Kōke‘e Road, as officials warn of extensive hazards.

DLNR teams helped to clear paths for individuals who were unable to leave due to significant treefall on unpaved park access roads. Victors are now able to leave if they choose to do so.

“DLNR staff on Kaua‘i have been working tirelessly on emergency response with professionalism under very challenging circumstances since the first hours following the impact of Hurricane Lowell and continue to do so,” said DLNR First Deputy Director Dave Day.

“Those on-site have described the devastation at Kōke‘e State Park as ‘unreal’ and there is still a long way to go toward restoration of public access. State parks and public lands are for the people. We will reopen lands as soon as it is safe to do so and appreciate the public’s patience and understanding, while our efforts are focused on responding to and recovering from this historic storm.”

Road closures

Trees have fallen across Waimea Canyon Drive, Kokeʻe Road and across nearly all internal park dirt roads that access facilities, including about 100 leased recreational cabins.

The DLNR Division of State Parks has closed the road into Kōkeʻe State Park as part of the total park closure.

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The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) also closed the Waimea Canyon Road above the lower junction.

Following reports of people disregarding the closure and trying to access the cabins, DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers have been posted at the junction of Kōkeʻe Road and Waimea Canyon Road.

There is currently a 24/7 roadblock, limiting traffic and access to daytime hours up to 6 p.m. for people who have legitimate business. All others continue to be denied entry by DOCARE officers.

Although one lane of the main road has been cleared for critical emergency access and to assess damage, many trees are still down along the road and side roads are largely unpassable.

Power and water utilities have not been restored and cell service is limited, as road clearing may require many more weeks.

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