Access to a historical and unique highway is threatened.
A rockfall near the Pali Lookout in early 2016 prompted the State of Hawaii to fence off a popular hiking and biking trail called the Old Pali Road. This abandoned highway serves as an important route for bicycle commuters across the Ko'olau range. What started at a hiking trail in the 1800s, was used by cars until 1960, and is now a popular hiking and biking trail that offers stunning views and car-free enjoyment. The route was open to hiking and biking for many years until the rockfall led to the State of Hawaii to close access. Since the State expressed no desire to clear the rockfall, a group of trail users have cleared it enough to be easily passable, and continue to maintain the trail.
It now appears the State is planning to install a more permanent fence just below the lookout. This will make access to this historical and unique trail even more difficult. The temporary fence has drastically reduced the number of tourists and other trail users, leading to the trail being more overgrown. If this continues, a historical landmark will be lost. Also the closing of this route has caused unnecessary risk to be taken by bicycle commuters, forcing them to ride up the Pali Highway and through the tunnels. This is not only a safety hazard, but unnecessary traffic impact. I am asking the State of Hawaii and the City & County of Honolulu (who controls the lower part of the Old Pali Road) to find a solution that restores access to the Old Pali Road, for the safety and enjoyment of its users.
Phase 1: Remove fence from top and return to unmaintained by State status similar to past 40+ years.
Phase 2: Establish maintenance plan either by State's Na Ala Hele or non-profit group.
Phase 3: Create official trans-Ko'olau route for non-motorized users and embrace the value of this historical landmark.
