Travelers planning to trek the scenic route along the Hāna Highway might need to temporarily reroute their adventures. The Department of Land and Natural Resources has announced that Kaumahina Wayside, a popular rest stop in the area, is slated to shut down for a brief period coming mid-June. Specifically, from June 12 through June 22, the wayside will be entirely off-limits to visitors, as reported Department of Land and Natural Resources recent publication.
This closure comes not a moment too soon, as safety concerns take center stage. According to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, there are "several dangerous trees that pose a significant safety risk to park visitors," necessitating the intervention. For 11 days, Top Notch Construction Inc. will be to work on the removal of these arboreal hazards. During the project's duration, anyone attempting to gain access to the park—whether by vehicle or on foot—will have to think again; no entry will be allowed.
The main goal of the operation is to carefully remove, trim, and transport hazardous trees using heavy machinery. This important conservation effort comes at a cost of $47,000. Though the closure may be inconvenient, it’s considered necessary to protect both the landscape and the many visitors and locals who enjoy Kaumahina Wayside, as stated by the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
If anyone has questions or concerns about the temporary closure, they can contact Michael Kahula, the Maui district superintendent, at 808-984-8102. He’s available to provide more information or address any issues related to the project, as per the Department of Land and Natural Resources.
