The park continues to recover from the impacts of the 6.7 earthquake that shook the Hawaiian islands on October 15th. Aftershocks are still occurring, including a 5.0 quake on Thanksgiving Day. The county road on the north side of Maui to the Kipahulu area is expected to reopen this Friday following the installation of a temporary bridge. The southern approach to the Kaupo Gap portion of the park will remain closed, however, until a rockslide there can be removed. Work is set to begin in mid-December. The Ka’apahu unit will remain closed until further notice due to huge slabs of fractured rock hanging precariously over the roadway in the same location where ranger Suzi Roberts was killed by a rockslide in September, 2004. The park has been partnering with a number of organizations, including FEMA, the Corps of Engineers, the Red Cross and local and state organizations, to bring relief to the landlocked communities of east Maui (including park employees). These operations include food and water drops and the provision of emergency support. Park staff have provided transportation and support to fire and police department crews unable to get equipment and vehicles to the area. A landing zone has been established in the park to provide the Hawaii Air National Guard with a place to bring in supplies and relief workers.
