October 2008
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Sunday - October 05, 2008
County officials in Maui announced Oct. 4, 2008 that the Pi'ilani Highway beyond Kipahulu has reopened allowing residents and visitors to travel the direct route from Hana to Upcountry. After almost two years of uncertainty, delays, frustration and waiting, the county's barricade at Lelekea Bay on Pi'ilani Highway is gone. The isolated rural communities of Kaupo, Kipahulu and Hana are reconnected by road nearly two years after a pair of earthquakes jarred the islands on Oct. 15, 2006.
The Maui News reports, "The boulders are cleared. The unstable cliff faces are braced with steel netting. Road bases are repaired and reinforced with concrete. Maui County reopened more than 10 miles of East Maui road Saturday."
The road was closed in December 2006 due to damage from the earthquakes. Rock slides and undermined roads were the main reasons for the closure. The final project, rock stabilization and road repair at Kalepa and Alelele, has now been completed.
More Information: View Maui News article...
The Pi`ilani Highway is detailed in our Hana Highway - Mile by Mile Guidebook. Our guidebook includes over 70 of the Hana Highway's best waterfalls, trails, state parks, beaches, and more.
County officials in Maui announced Oct. 4, 2008 that the Pi'ilani Highway beyond Kipahulu has reopened allowing residents and visitors to travel the direct route from Hana to Upcountry. After almost two years of uncertainty, delays, frustration and waiting, the county's barricade at Lelekea Bay on Pi'ilani Highway is gone. The isolated rural communities of Kaupo, Kipahulu and Hana are reconnected by road nearly two years after a pair of earthquakes jarred the islands on Oct. 15, 2006.
The Maui News reports, "The boulders are cleared. The unstable cliff faces are braced with steel netting. Road bases are repaired and reinforced with concrete. Maui County reopened more than 10 miles of East Maui road Saturday."
The road was closed in December 2006 due to damage from the earthquakes. Rock slides and undermined roads were the main reasons for the closure. The final project, rock stabilization and road repair at Kalepa and Alelele, has now been completed.
More Information: View Maui News article...
August 2008
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Friday - August 01, 2008
On July 31 a disaster declaration was approved which would allow Big Island farmers to apply for low interest loans to cover losses they sustained due to volcanic gases emitted by Kilauea Volcano.
Vog is created when sulfur dioxide released by the volcano mixes with sun and dust. This dangerous mix is currently blanketing the Kau District south of the volcano and drying out crops. Protea (pictured on the right) and other flower farmers are particularly susceptible.
The low interest loans to be offered by the government would allow coverage of up to 100 percent of production or up to $500,000 in physical losses.
Vog has affected all of the Hawaiian Islands' air quality to varying degrees since a new vent opened up in Kilauea's Halema'uma'u Crater in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
On July 31 a disaster declaration was approved which would allow Big Island farmers to apply for low interest loans to cover losses they sustained due to volcanic gases emitted by Kilauea Volcano.
Vog is created when sulfur dioxide released by the volcano mixes with sun and dust. This dangerous mix is currently blanketing the Kau District south of the volcano and drying out crops. Protea (pictured on the right) and other flower farmers are particularly susceptible.
The low interest loans to be offered by the government would allow coverage of up to 100 percent of production or up to $500,000 in physical losses.
Vog has affected all of the Hawaiian Islands' air quality to varying degrees since a new vent opened up in Kilauea's Halema'uma'u Crater in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
July 2008
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Thursday - July 31, 2008
Beginning Aug. 1, a portion of the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve will be closed for two years to allow the land to recover from damage caused by overuse. Trails to popular snorkeling spots Kalaeloa, known as the "Aquarium," Mokuha, also known as the "Fishbowl" and the trail to Kalua o Lapa (cinder cone area) will be closed. These areas have long been sore spots for preservationists and residents who witness damage to these fragile ecosystems due to excessive use.
Those spots that will remain open are Waiala Cove and the coastal area along Ahihi Bay and the "Dumps" surfbreak. La Perouse Bay and areas outside the reserve are also not affected.
About 100 signs will be posted to let visitors know which areas are restricted. Reserve staff and rangers will also be out in increased numbers to monitor the situation.
Beginning Aug. 1, a portion of the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve will be closed for two years to allow the land to recover from damage caused by overuse. Trails to popular snorkeling spots Kalaeloa, known as the "Aquarium," Mokuha, also known as the "Fishbowl" and the trail to Kalua o Lapa (cinder cone area) will be closed. These areas have long been sore spots for preservationists and residents who witness damage to these fragile ecosystems due to excessive use.
Those spots that will remain open are Waiala Cove and the coastal area along Ahihi Bay and the "Dumps" surfbreak. La Perouse Bay and areas outside the reserve are also not affected.
About 100 signs will be posted to let visitors know which areas are restricted. Reserve staff and rangers will also be out in increased numbers to monitor the situation.
June 2008
Views: (586)
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Sunday - June 29, 2008
Hana Bay's crumbling pier will soon be a thing of the past. A $20 million project to replace the damaged structure is scheduled to begin in the near future. An additional $3 million has been allotted for a new boat launch as well. These funds were part of a larger $118.3 million bill primarily aimed at renovating the Kahului Harbor over the next six years which was signed into law in late June.
Part of the improvements include repairing the breakwater, installing a loading dock and building a boat wash-down area. One of the primary concerns in repairing the pier is keeping a life line open between Hana and nearby residents in case another earthquake like the one in 2006 should cut them off from the rest of the island. The pier would also be useful in bringing in supplies and equipment that cannot traverse the long and windy Hana Highway.
Hana Bay's crumbling pier will soon be a thing of the past. A $20 million project to replace the damaged structure is scheduled to begin in the near future. An additional $3 million has been allotted for a new boat launch as well. These funds were part of a larger $118.3 million bill primarily aimed at renovating the Kahului Harbor over the next six years which was signed into law in late June.
Part of the improvements include repairing the breakwater, installing a loading dock and building a boat wash-down area. One of the primary concerns in repairing the pier is keeping a life line open between Hana and nearby residents in case another earthquake like the one in 2006 should cut them off from the rest of the island. The pier would also be useful in bringing in supplies and equipment that cannot traverse the long and windy Hana Highway.
March 2008
Views: (1112)
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Saturday - March 08, 2008
After months of sticking inland, the lava flows from Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island have begun another journey to the sea. The lava is marching toward Royal Gardens Subdivision, an area that was largely buried in lava in 1983.
Officials opened a pedestrian viewing area off Highway 130 in Puna this weekend to accommodate the crowds which are eager to see the goddess Pele at work. The viewing area should be about one quarter mile away from the spot where lava is entering the ocean.
Rangers and officials will monitor the path of the lava daily to ensure that the area is still safe for visitors.
After months of sticking inland, the lava flows from Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island have begun another journey to the sea. The lava is marching toward Royal Gardens Subdivision, an area that was largely buried in lava in 1983.
Officials opened a pedestrian viewing area off Highway 130 in Puna this weekend to accommodate the crowds which are eager to see the goddess Pele at work. The viewing area should be about one quarter mile away from the spot where lava is entering the ocean.
Rangers and officials will monitor the path of the lava daily to ensure that the area is still safe for visitors.
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