Why is camping at Kīholo still closed?
In October of last year a large kiawe tree fell in Campsite 8 - thankfully camping was suspended due to COVID-19 and no one was injured. It was quickly determined that, until the canopy over the campgrounds could be cut back, overnight camping at Kīholo was not safe. Since weather conditions can change overnight, Hui Aloha Kīholo advocated for the continued closure of the campgrounds to ensure the safety of our community. This notion was confirmed in December when a wind storm caused many large branches and entire trees to fall within the campgrounds.
Hoa ʻĀina clearing a fallen tree just outside of Campsite 1 in December.
The view from inside Campsite 1.
Why is it important to trim the kiawe trees?
Kiawe trees require routine maintenance to ensure the safety of people camping below. Kiawe can grow tall and their canopy can expand to a large area, with many heavy branches. As kiawe grow and branches extend far beyond the main trunk of the tree, there is a potential for large branches to break off and fall to the ground, especially in windy conditions, as they did in October and December of last year. Though our Hoa ʻĀina team regularly prune and manage kiawe, a job of this size requires a professional arborist with landscaping equipment, so we reached out to the Division of State Parks to request assistance.
What are we doing about it?
Hui Aloha Kīholo and the Division of State Parks have been working closely since October to define the scope of work needed, consult with professional arborists, and secure funding for a kiawe trimming contract. We are so thankful to our partners at the Division of State Parks for joining us in advocating for the safety of campers, and for taking on the kuleana of putting this tree trimming contract out to bid. The tree trimming contract was awarded in April, and the Division of State Parks is currently processing the paperwork needed to approve the work. Once this paperwork is processed, the contractor will start to conduct the tree trimming work at Kīholo. Once this work is complete, the Kīholo Camping Program will resume this summer.
Though we do not yet have an exact timeline for reopening the campgrounds, Hui Aloha Kīholo stands ready. We have gotten so many wonderful messages expressing how important camping at Kīholo is to you and your ʻohana. You celebrate your birthdays, graduations, and holidays by greeting the morning at Kīholo's shore and watching the sun go down as you cook the day’s catch. We know that you are eager to return as we, too, are looking forward to welcoming you back safely. In the meantime, stay up to date by signing-up for our newsletter and following our blog and social media channels.
E mālama pono,
Hui Aloha Kīholo
