The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has closed vehicular access on the Kula State Forest Reserve Access Road on Maui from an area adjacent to the "cement crossing" to the Polipoli State Park and beyond due to unsafe road conditions caused by the heavy rains.

Vehicular access is available up to the paved portion of the road. Popular forest use activities such as hiking and hunting are still accessible, albeit very muddy.

"We're concerned about public safety of anyone that would drive beyond this point under these conditions," said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairwoman. "We're asking those that do choose to drive up to the barricade and walk in, to proceed with caution."

Hunters may access the area from alongside the paved portion of the access, within the hunting area. The hiking trail system (Waiakoa Loop and Upper Waiohuli trails) can be accessed by walking in from the Kula Hunter Check station. Those parking alongside the paved road are reminded to park off the road and not block the access in the event emergency response vehicles must pass.

The reserve access road is projected to reopen as soon as weather allows it to dry out and be repaired. Forestry crews will need to use heavy equipment to remove dirt on the road and fill in washed-out road areas.

The forest reserve is closed to vehicular traffic approximately 100 yards beyond the "cement crossing" and closure signs are posted along the paved road. Agency personnel have placed barricades across the dirt road.