Repairs to damaged Maui trail completed

WAILUKU » Haleakala National Park plans to reopen its Sliding Sands Trail today after several days of repair work from flooding last week.

Power has also been restored to facilities at the park summit.

Flooding caused major ruts in the trail, and high winds tore off roofing material from the summit observation building, the park said.

Wind gusts of 80 mph blew at the summit during the storm, the park said.

Maui County officials also plan to reopen Baldwin Beach Park in Paia on Saturday.

"The parking lot is still flooded, and there will be portions of the park that will be coned off or closed with caution signs, but at least the public will be able to access the beach by parking along the driveway," said Zachary Helm, deputy parks director.

Several parks in South Maui remained closed today as workers continued to clear debris, including trees.

Closed recreational areas included the Skatepark, Kamaole Beach Park I and II, Kamaole Point and Kalepolepo and Waipuilani parks.

The county is inviting the public to report any storm-related damage by completing an online form available at www.mauicounty.gov or by calling 270-7620 or 270-7285.