Mauna Kea Summit Road reopened

News Release from UH System, July 13, 2015

After performing remedial work and grading, the Mauna Kea Summit Access Road was reopened at 3 p.m. Monday, July 13 (subject to the emergency rule passed by the Board of Land and Natural Resources restricting access from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.). Vehicular access above the Halepōhaku mid-level facilities will be by four-wheel drive vehicles only. Two-wheel drive vehicles will not be allowed past the end of the paved road at Halepōhaku.

The Visitor Information Station and its restroom facilities will remain closed. Restrooms are available at the Mauna Kea Recreation Area and Puʻuhuluhulu at the junction of Saddle Road and the Mauna Kea Summit Access Road. Portable toilets for the public are available on the summit.

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STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR DAVID IGE ON ACCESS TO MAUNA KEA

News Release from Office of the Governor, July 13, 2015

Honolulu – Governor David Ige released the following statement after the University of Hawaii announced that it would reopen the access road to Mauna Kea summit on July 13, 2015:

“The State seeks to provide safe access to Mauna Kea summit by all lawful users. Unfortunately, the destructive actions of several individuals temporarily rendered the mountain road unsafe since June 24. I am pleased UH has reopened the road following its damage assessment and repairs.”

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Statement by Governor David Ige July 14, 2015:

“Today I signed the Land Board’s emergency rule limiting usage of the road between the hours of 10 pm and 4 am. The rule is in effect for 120 days only and gives the state an additional tool to keep the road safe for all. My administration believes firmly in the right of free expression. At the same time we cannot let some people put others at risk of harm or property damage. This temporary rule helps strike that balance. I respectfully ask everyone using the road to exercise caution and obey the law.”

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