Moanalua section of Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve reopens

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Moanalua Section of the Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve has reopened to the public after being closed for safety reasons since June 12.

The closure, requested by the City and County of Honolulu, was necessitated by construction related to the dismantling of the Haiku Stairs.

With the project now mired in litigation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) has decided to restore access to the forest reserve.

“While we are pleased to reopen the reserve, we urge hikers to avoid Middle Ridge,” said Marigold Zoll, Oahu Branch Manager for DOFAW.

“Increased hiker traffic has led to severe erosion issues that are harming the native forest.”

Volunteers recently addressed some drainage problems on Middle Ridge to help mitigate damage to the forest.

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Additionally, the Honolulu Moanalua Regional Park, the primary entry point to the forest reserve, has also reopened.