Mauna Kea Summit Access Road Fully Reopened

The University of Hawai’i announced Monday afternoon that the Mauna Kea Summit Access Road was reopened at 3 p.m.

According to a university release, the road was reopened following remedial work and grading.

The opening of the road is “subject to the emergency rules passed by the Board of Land and Natural Resources restricting access from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.”

Access to areas above the Halepōhaku mid-level facilities are only allowed by four-wheel drive vehicles. Two-wheel drive vehicles are limited to the area of the road that is paved.

University officials say the Visitor Infomation Station and facilities attached to the center remain closed. Those who are in need of a restroom are advised to use the available facilities at the Mauna Kea Recreation Area and Pu’uhuluhulu at the junction of Saddle Road and the Mauna Kea Summit Access Road. In addition, the university says portable toilets are available at the summit for public use.

“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,” Governor David Ige said in a statement.

The Board of Land and Natural Resources voted late Friday night, following a day-long meeting and over 150 public testimonies, that they would approve an emergency set of rules in Section 13-123-21.2 of the Hawai’i Administrative Rules. The rules define a restricted area and limit access between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., unless traveling through the area in a motored vehicle. Obvious camping items were also deemed “restricted”