DLNR seeks comments on warning signs

By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer

Public input on new warning signs for dangerous conditions at state and county parks and trails is being sought during a series of meetings this month.

The signs use pictographs. Flash-flood warning signs show a man drowning in a ravine. A sign that shows a man hiking beneath boulders breaking off the edge of a cliff warns of falling rocks. A number of the signs use a circle and slash to show prohibited activities.

The public is invited to a series of meetings to view the signs and comment.

"We want feedback," said Peter Young, chairman of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. "Especially from trail user groups, to determine whether the messages on the signs, and particularly the pictographs, adequately convey the environmental conditions we are trying to warn about."

The O'ahu meeting is at 4 p.m. tomorrow at the DLNR-Forestry Makiki Baseyard Conference Room, 2135 Makiki Heights Drive.

Moloka'i's meeting is at 5 p.m. tomorrow at Pumehana Senior Center in Kaunakakai. Public testimony will begin at 6 p.m.

The Big Island meeting is at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow at DLNR Kamuela State Tree Nursery, 66-1220 A Lalamilo Road in Kamuela.

Maui's meeting is at 2 p.m. Wednesday at DLNR-Forestry Kahului Baseyard, 685 Old Haleakala Highway in Kahului. Public testimony is at 3 p.m.

Lana'i's meeting is at 7:30 a.m. Saturday at the Lana'i Senior Citizen Center in Lana'i City.

The Kaua'i meeting is at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 29 at the DLNR-Forestry baseyard, 4396D Pua Loke in Lihu'e.

The signs may be viewed at www.state.hi.us/dlnr/warningsigns. Comments may be sent to curt@dofaw.net.

Reach Karen Blakeman at 535-2430 or at kblakeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.