HONOLULU -- The Department
of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife
(DOFAW) O‘ahu branch will reopen all state forest reserves in the
Wai‘anae mountains to the public, effective Saturday, November 24,
2007.
The reopening includes the Kuaokala, Mokule‘ia, Makua-Kea‘au, and
Wai‘anae Forest Reserves and the Kuaokala game management area (GMA),
which total 10,051 acres.
“Due to improved weather conditions and general maintenance
conducted by DOFAW staff, we are now able to reopen these areas,” said
Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairperson. “Hiking and camping will be
permitted where posted.”
“As a reminder, off-road vehicles, trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs may only
be used for transport on the unimproved roads. They must remain on
road at all times, and are not to be used for climbing hillsides, road
banks, or trail riding, which erode the earth and destroy vegetation,”
Thielen said.
“We appreciate the public’s patience and support during the
hazardous dry period we have had in recent months. Our state is still
experiencing drought-like conditions, and we ask the public to always
exercise caution and use care to prevent damage to our natural
resources,” she said.
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For more information, contact:
Deborah Ward
DLNR Public Information Specialist
Phone: (808) 587-0320