DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

News Release

LINDA LINGLE

GOVERNOR

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LAURA H. THIELEN, INTERIM CHAIRPERSON

Phone: (808) 587-0401

Fax: (808) 587-0390

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For Immediate Release: August 13, 2007

DLNR Closes Big Island Forest Reserves,
Parks and Trails as Flossie Nears

HILO — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will close all state parks, forest and natural area reserves and trails on the island of Hawai‘i for public safety, effective tonight through Wednesday, August 15, in anticipation of high winds and falling trees, heavy rain and flash flooding due to the arrival of Hurricane Flossie.

“DLNR is in close contact with State Civil Defense and Hawai‘i County Civil Defense and other public agencies to monitor the storm approach and get ready. These closures are to protect members of the public and our personnel from potential severe weather conditions," said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR interim chairperson.

"We urge people on the Big Island to heed the warnings, avoid remote or exposed areas, and to take precautions for protection of life and property. We will reopen these areas on the Big Island as soon as the weather improves, and we can assess them for safe conditions,” Thielen said.

“We also urge the public on other islands to be aware of the progress of the storm, and to be prepared for possible adverse conditions,” she said.

High winds and high surf and surge along coastal areas are also anticipated and should be avoided by people.

DLNR has notified boaters at all Big Island small boat harbors to be prepared and have a plan of action. “As the storm approaches boaters may take safe refuge at Honokohau, Kawaihae and Wailoa small boat harbors,” said Ed Underwood, DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation administrator.
Heavy rains often cause dangerous flash flooding in stream beds and can submerge low-lying campsites.

Hikers should never attempt to ford rain swollen streams.

High winds may cause trees to fall or blow debris about.

State park camping permits for Tuesday and Wednesday have been cancelled and no new permits for Hawai‘i island will be issued until further notice.

Permit holders have been notified by the Hilo DLNR Forestry and Wildlife office. No new permits will be issued for all forest reserves and natural area reserves on the Big Island until further notice.

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For more information news media may contact:
Deborah Ward
DLNR Public Information Specialist
Phone: (808) 587-0320