DLNR Shares Loop Road Repair Status Update

Loop Road. Photo courtesy of DLNR

Government officials held an informational meeting about Loop Road repairs a couple weeks ago. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, with Councilwoman Felicia Cowden, held a meeting at King Kaumuali‘i Elementary School Sept. 8, regarding the timeline and plan for the Līhu‘e-Kōloa Forest Reserve Loop Road repair work.

DLNR sent a press release following the meeting, stating “It was a great opportunity to hear the community interest and hopes for this area. DOFAW Kaua’i wishes to work better with open communication so that our actions in the future will help create a positive space for the community and future generations to enjoy.”

After listening to concerns and comments, DOFAW will begin to start repairs of Loop Road. In the next couple weeks, contractors will begin preparing a staging area for material and equipment off Kuamoʻo Road. On September 30, 2019, road repairs will begin, and a gate will be installed just after the powerline trail on Loop Road, according to the news release.

The major concern during the period of road repair work is the safety of the public and the contractors. Therefore, the gate will remain closed from Monday to Friday during the construction period. DOFAW officials said they understand the relationship that the community has with the area and agreed it would be beneficial to have the road open on the weekends for the public.  However, during the construction period, if there is vandalism or destruction to newly repaired sections, DOFAW will have to close the gate on weekends as to not hinder the progress of the repairs.

DOFAW will regularly communicate with the community on the Loop road repair status and will try to complete repairs as soon as possible.