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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, December 13, 2007

MY COMMUNITIES
Haleakala park still healing from storm

By Dave Dondoneau
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Last week's storm, with wind gusts of 80 mph, tore the shingles off the roof of the summit observation building on Haleakala. Most of the shingles have since been cleaned up, but the roof still needs repairs.

National Park Service photos

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WHERE TO CALL

For an update on the latest conditions at Haleakala National Park, call 808-572-4400.

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Maintenance supervisor Peter Kafka surveys damage on Haleakala's Sliding Sands Trail. "The trail damage was extensive," said Mark Rentz, chief of maintenance. The trail remains closed for safety reasons.

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Power and phone services were restored at Haleakala National Park on Tuesday, but a park spokesman said yesterday that the damage caused by last week's storm was the worst the park has seen since Hurricane Iniki.

"We're still assessing all the damage and hoping to get all the trails open by the end of the week," said Dominic Cardea, national parks spokesman. "We had a lot of wash-off on the trails and there is huge water in the stream from the runoff. We're hoping everything will be restored to normal by the end of the week."

The summit restrooms and visitor center are open again after sustaining power failure and water damage, Cardea said.

One area that still needs repairs is the summit observation building. Wind gusts of 80 mph ripped the roof of the building, littering the summit with shingles. Most of the shingles have been cleaned up, Cardea said, but the roof still needs repairs.

Other damages, Cardea said, were caused by the heavy rain that flooded the Sliding Sands Trail, destroying the pathway.

"The trail damage was extensive," said Mark Rentz, chief of maintenance. "We are concentrating every resource available, but it is a big job."

Sliding Sands remains closed due to safety concerns.

Crews were assessing the wilderness cabins yesterday for damage. Permits are being issued into the wilderness for Holua Cabin only. Backpackers can enter the wilderness via the Supply Trail by Hosmer Grove.

Hosmer Grove Campground and Nature Trail is open. Campers are advised to check in at the visitor center for weather updates.

Falling branches are a hazard in high winds — that's why the campground and trail were closed last week.

All visitor facilities were open as of yesterday morning.

Reach Dave Dondoneau at ddondoneau@honoluluadvertiser.com.

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