The private geologist hired by the state Department of Transportation inspected the hillside today and is "convinced that as long as we don't have torrential rains, the hillside will hold up," DOT spokesman Scott Ishikawa said.

The new concern is a waterfall from all of the rain that continues to pour mud onto the Pali Highway, Ishikawa said.

"Mother Nature's creating her own stream," Ishikawa said. "It's just basically rain water coming off of the mountain side, but it's bringing mud on the road and creating a dangerous and slick surface. That has nothing to do with the integrity of the hill. But it's dangerous for people coming out of the tunnel."