Most of the Ahihi-Kinau reserve will close Aug. 1

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Public access to portions of the Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve will be closed for two years beginning Aug. 1, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources has announced.

Officials will close off access to the majority of the 2,000-acre reserve between Ahihi and La Perouse bays. Prohibited areas will include unofficial trails to Kalua o Lapa, Kalaeloa, popularly known as "the Aquarium," and Mokuha, also known as "the Fishbowl."

Access to northern portions of the reserve most used by the public will remain open during visiting hours from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily. Some of these open areas are Waiala Cove and the coastal area along Ahihi Bay and the "Dumps" surf break.

Pat Borge, a member of a citizens advisory committee for the reserve, said the group recommended the two-year restriction to protect the pristine resources of the area that are threatened, in part, from overcrowding by visitors and residents.

"We have to do something or we're going to lose it," Borge said.

The Board of Land and Natural Resources authorized the restricted access beginning Aug. 1 through July 31, 2010, during a meeting in May.

"Recent studies have shown that the growing number of visitors to the area have severely impacted both natural and cultural resources, and we cannot allow resource degradation to continue unchecked," said Laura H. Thielen, the board chairwoman.

Borge said the coral reef and the archaeological sites in the reserve have the potential of being overtaxed simply because of the number of visitors to the area.

"Just give it a break, let it rest and let's see what happens," Borge said.

Individuals found in the restricted area or in the reserve after visiting hours may be cited or arrested. According to a DLNR news release, those found guilty of these misdemeanor violations may be fined up to $1,000 and/or imprisoned for up to a year.

Access into the newly restricted areas may be granted via permit to individuals, who may include cultural practitioners and school groups. All access into restricted areas will require an approved permit from the Natural Area Reserve Commission and a ranger escort at all times.

State land officials plan to post regulatory and educational signs about the closure and the resources in the reserve during the two-year period.

In addition, staff will be monitoring sensitive areas in the reserve and assessing whether further protective measures and actions might be taken, while still allowing for public access in the future.

Public meetings are also planned to discuss the future for the reserve. At the end of the two-year period, the department will present its findings to the Board of Land and Natural Resources. The panel will determine if further restrictions are warranted or if the reserve will be reopened.

For a map of the restricted areas or more information on Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve, visit www.dofaw.net/NAR or call the Division of Forestry and Wildlife office on Maui at 984-8100.