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(Kipahulu) Haleakala National Park confirms that a fatal mishap involving a visitor occurred in the early afternoon of May 31st in the vicinity of Waimoku Falls on the popular Pipiwai Trail at the park's Kipahulu District in East Maui.Park staff were notified of the mishap by Maui County dispatchers and immediately responded to the scene.The victim's family and park staff were later assisted by Maui County Police and Fire/Rescue personnel.Details and circumstances surrounding the mishap are currently under investigation and the Pipiwai Trail remains closed to all visitors while the investigation is on-going.Park Superintendent Sarah Creachbaumstated, "Our hearts go out to the family during this difficult time and we are grateful for the valuable support provided by our partners at Maui County Police and Fire Rescue services." The Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park is a popular destination for local residents of East Maui and for approximately 550,000 visitors each year.The Pipiwai Trail is a popular park trail mauka (mountain-side) of the Hana Highway 31.The approximately 2 mile long trail (one-way) increases 800 feet in elevation, passes the 184-foot waterfall at Makahiku, winds through alien bamboo and guava forests and ends at the base of 400-foot high Waimoku Falls. |
Last updated: February 28, 2015