DLNR begins reopening select Kauai lands after Hurricane Lowell

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announced it is slowly reopening some lands on Kauai, nearly two weeks after Hurricane Lowell.

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DLNR said the selected locations will reopen at 6:30 a.m. Monday.

Reopening lands include:

Wailua River State Park

Fern Grotto Access Restrictions:

River and Trail Access Limits:

Waimea Valley section of Puʻu ka Pele Forest Reserve

Hunting Unit F below the Kōkeʻe Road and Waimea Canyon Drive junction

DLNR said Kōkeʻe Road remains closed until cleaning and utility work is completed.

Officials said most DLNR lands remain closed due to widespread, unmitigated damage from Lowell.

DLNR First Deputy Director Dave Day said the department has made progress since the hurricane passed.

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“We continue to collaborate with our partners to ensure that any reopening of DLNR lands aligns with their operational capacity as they continue to address the heightened needs of the community at this time,” Day said.

The department urges the public to use caution when accessing forested areas, as many unmitigated hazards exist.

DLNR is also asking for help documenting storm-damaged areas by reporting downed trees, road and trail washouts and infrastructure.

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