Temporary Hana bridge planned
The Kipahulu route remains highly susceptible to slides
WAILUKU » Maui County public works officials are planning to install a temporary bridge to replace a damaged span once used daily by thousands of visitors and residents traveling between Hana and Kipahulu.
Public Works Director Milton Arakawa said yesterday that the county has consultants looking at ways to solve the bridge problem, but at this time he had no timetable when a temporary structure would be installed.
"Obviously, time is of the essence. ... We're trying to get this thing done as soon as possible," he said.
The Paihi Bridge between Hana and Kipahulu was closed last week after Federal Management Emergency Agency officials determined it could collapse at any time because of damage to the foundation.
The evaluation followed two earthquakes on Oct. 15 and torrential rain on Oct. 16.
County officials said the Paihi Bridge, built in 1911, was scheduled for replacement.
As many as 17 students who attend Hana High and Elementary School could be affected by the bridge closure, school Vice Principal Gary Davidson said.
Davidson said some of the students, who might be staying with relatives on the Hana side of the bridge, attended school yesterday.
Meanwhile, driving from Kipahulu using the back route of Piilani Highway remains "very, very dangerous," Haleakala Park Chief Ranger Mark Tanaka-Sanders said.
He said the earthquakes caused a landslide near Lelekea Bay between Kaupo and Kipahulu, and another landslide could be imminent. The landslide cut off telephone service to 40 families in Kaupo.
"Engineers said there's a huge crack ready to slough off," Tanaka-Sanders said.
Park Superintendent Marilyn Parris said there are also large rocks sitting precariously along cliffs near the road, including an area where a ranger died from a falling rock near Kaapahu in 2004.
"It's a very real danger," she said.
Parris said about four out of the 16 employees working at Kipahulu live within the area closed off by bridge damage and road dangers.
She said the four will be maintaining the park, while most of the other employees will be shuttled from Hana to work Upcountry at the topside of Haleakala National Park.