DLNR will also hold a public information meeting next week to inform the public about its current hazard reduction, and future reforestation management activities within the Kula Forest Reserve. The meeting will take place from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Kula Community Center in Waiakoa, Maui. Hunters, hikers, mountain bikers and others interested in the Kula Forest are encouraged to attend.

The reserve has been closed since late January in the aftermath of one of the most devastating wildfires to have occurred for many decades in Hawai'i – burning 2,300 acres in the Kula Forest Reserve between Jan. 23 and Feb. 5.

Since that time, DLNR's Division of Forestry and Wildlife has initiated rehabilitation and restoration work on aspects related to fire damage and to mitigate the associated hazards.

"DLNR is committed to mitigating public hazards, protecting and stabilizing soils prone to erosion, mitigating the impact of existing invasive species, re-establishing important recreational venues for residents and visitors, restoring important hydrological and ground water features, and enhancing native species habitat and native ecosystem recovery," said Allan Smith, DLNR interim chair.

When the reserve opens Sunday, game mammal hunting within the Kula Forest Reserve (Units C & E), will resume. All trails within the reserve will also open for public use. Trail users are advised that it is mandatory to remain on the established trails [Hawai'i Administrative Rules Section 13-130-20 (12)].

"We are glad that the reserve can once again be open to the public, but we want to remind visitors to remain on established roads and trails for their safety," said Smith.

"These established roads and trails have been surveyed and have been the priority locations for hazard mitigation work that included removal of burned hazardous or fallen trees to assure for public safety. Going off these trails may put individuals at risk of injury from unmitigated hazards," he said.

As rehabilitation and restoration work will be continuing, the public is advised that delays may be experienced along the Kula Forest Reserve access road.

For information about reservations for Polipoli State Park cabin call the Maui State Parks office at 984-8109. Visitors should be advised that the access road beyond the Polipoli State Park intersection remains difficult to traverse due to damage during and following the fire.

For further information on status of the Kula Forest Reserve please contact the Maui District Branch office at 984-8100.