David Y. Ige

Update on impacts of Tropical Storm Darby – grounded vessel in Kona, reopened parks

DLNR is requesting the public stay away from the shoreline extending from the King Kamehameha Hotel to the Kukailimoku lighthouse due to hazards relating to the sinking of the vessel “Spirit of Kona “. The vessel reportedly broke its mooring and ran hard aground earlier this morning and broke apart.  It had about 300 gallons of diesel fuel on board. Due to debris in the water and on the shore, and the odor of fuel in the area, the area is being closed. DOCARE officers, the Hawaii District DOBOR manager and USCG representatives are on scene. The vessel owner has arranged for salvage of the vessel which has sunk in near shore waters.  The Hawaii County Emergency Operations Center has been notified and will be informing the Hawaii County Fire Department.

Update on state parks status:

All Hawaii island east side state parks have been reopened today. Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area will be re-opened. State Parks staff are still checking other Kona parks, also Mackenzie and Manuka.

Maui State Parks are being checked for any problems.

Oahu and Kauai state parks remain open with the exception of the Kalalau Trail on Kauai which remains closed as a precautionary measure.

State forest reserves and trails remain closed until further notice.
Deborah Ward
Hawaii Dept. of Land and Natural Resources
Communications Specialist
(808) 587-0320
fax (808) 587-0390