Fire Threat Prompts Partial Closure of Hilina Pali Road

Date: July 27, 2010

 Extreme fire danger conditions exist in several area of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park due to Hawai`i County's prolonged dry spell.

To reduce the risk of wildland fire in the park's mid-elevation woodlands, Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando closed the lower five miles of Hilina Pali Road at the Mauna Iki trailhead until further notice.

Visitors can still picnic and camp at Kulanaokuaiki Campground. However, the closure will prevent access to trailheads at Hilina Pali Overlook.

"Please use extreme caution," said Fire management Officer Joe Molhoek. "It is beyond dry out there!"

Visitors should refrain from smoking while hiking and completely extinguish and dispose of cigarettes properly. Drivers should always park on paved surfaces. A car's hot undercarriage can ignite grass and other shrubs.

In addition, the following fire restrictions remain in effect throughout the park:

♦ All campfires are prohibited.

♦ All barbeques are prohibited including at Kipukapuaulu picnic area, Namakanipaio and Kulanaokuaiki campgrounds and the park's Kahuku Unit.