Newly installed signs stating that a popular Koko Crater trail is off limits to the public will be taken down immediately because community stakeholders were not properly consulted before they were installed, City Parks Director Les Chang said late this afternoon.

Chang said the signs had been installed because of safety concerns, but that he had acted prematurely by having them posted with consulting the community first.

The signs will be removed as soon as possible, he said.

Criticism from hikers began today as soon as the signs were erected at the heavily used trail.