Information center
may help preserve
Diamond Head trail

By Stan Constantino
Star-Bulletin

Straying off the trail has hurt the Diamond Head State Monument, says the park's newly appointed coordinator.

"It causes a lot of scarring and scarring leads to erosion, which leads to the deterioration of the park. That's one of the reasons we're building an information shelter, to educate people," Yara Lamadrid-Rose.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources yesterday announced installation, scheduled to begin Monday, of an information shelter and an interpretive kiosk at the head of the park's trail.

As one of Oahu's most popular state parks, the information will "enhance visitor experience and promote a greater awareness and understanding of the geology, natural environment and cultural history of Diamond Head Crater," said Mike Wilson, department director.

Diamond Head, named a national natural landmark in 1968, has about a million visitors a year, officials said.

Lamadrid-Rose said: "Here we have a semi-wilderness in the middle of the city. As one of the most recognized landmarks in the world, we want our own kids to come here and appreciate it and learn about it because they're the ones who are going to have to take care of it."

The shelter will provide information through interpretive wall exhibits and a visitor information window. The exhibits will focus on the geological formation, the natural history and military features of the crater.

The kiosk will provide park visitors with the history of the trail, the natural features along the trail, an explanation of trail conditions and recommendations for a safe hike as well as inform visitors of the fragile resources surrounding the trail.

"As one of Hawaii's most popular visitor destinations and a place local residents are very protective of, Diamond Head has been recognized by DLNR as a 'Hot Spot' in need of continuous monitoring and improvement," Wilson added. "As part of an successful management plan, we know that educating park visitors about this historic natural area is the key to protecting Diamond Head for the future."