The Mauna Kea summit road beginning at the Halepōhaku mid-level facilities will remain closed to all but authorized personnel until further notice. The University of Hawaiʻi Office of Mauna Kea Management is currently assessing damage to the road and stability of the slopes for potential rock falls.
UH exercised its authority under the Mauna Kea Comprehensive Management Plan to close the road last week due to hazardous conditions. They included the presence of boulders on the road, rock walls that fully obstructed the road in some areas and the erection of two ahu on the road. The obstructions prevented the university from grading the road, a necessary road safety procedure performed twice weekly.
The Visitor Information Station at the 9,200 foot level is also closed until further notice for health and safety reasons.
UH agrees with Governor Ige’s concerns that actions that unlawfully obstruct the road to the summit are unacceptable. UH supports the governor’s wish to open a safe roadway to all.
