Citizens Mull Maintaining Koko Crater Trail

by PAULA BENDER
Sun Correspondent
Archived April 2008 article

Organized by daily climber Nathan Kurosawa, the meeting was attended by several Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board members, Hawaii Trail & Mountain Club members, and community representatives.

The meeting was called in response to the city's consideration of permanently closing the trail because of its growing popularity and because of its proximity to the gun range in the crater below. At the regularly held Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board meeting on Tuesday, February 26, many concerned residents testified to keep both the trail and the firing range open. Lester Chang, City Parks and Recreation Director, addressed the crowd with his own concerns, apologizing for the signs erected on Friday, February 15, that warned hikers of the possibility of being hit with live fire, and said that he would discuss the situation within his department.

Trail regular and long-time Hawaii Kai resident Dick Cowan has tirelessly worked to keep the trail well maintained for quite a few years. Once cleared with the City, Cowan said he could lead a group of volunteers to fix, replace and add wooden track ties to replace those that have been removed or are rotting. Concerns regarding liabilities should be addressed prior to any wholesale remedial activities along the trail, he said. Also of concern are hazards related to the summit and the military bunker that is in place there.

Committee members will be addressing these and various other issues with the city, state and federal entities concerned to help achieve maximum enjoyment and safety along Koko Crater Trail. The Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board welcomes input on this issue via email links at the official Web site at: http://www.co.honolulu.hi.us/nco/nb1/