Waihou Spring Forest Reserve and trail on Maui will reopen on April 1.
The area was closed seven months ago after receiving major windfall and burn damage during the Aug. 2023 Olinda Fire, according to a news release.
Since then, the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) has been working to clear trees that had fallen over and cut partially broken or hanging branches.
“DOFAW crews felled and bucked (cut into usable lengths) hundreds of hazardous trees in the process to restore access,” said Lance DeSilva, the DOFAW forest management supervisor. “The closure allowed staff to work efficiently and unobstructed, effectively shortening the time to the reopening.”
The Waihou Spring Forest Reserve includes 186 acres of reforested land on the northwest slope of Haleakala and is one of eight forest reserves on Maui.
“The Waihou Spring and trail are features that add to the value of this reserve and we’re glad to reopen it for community use,” said DeSilva.
Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.