Partial closure of Polihale State Park in effect

WAIMEA — An effort is underway to protect a sensitive dune system on the westside of the island of Kaua‘i.

As a result, Po‘oahonu at Polihale State Park will be closed Monday through Friday until the ongoing protection and restoration work is complete, the Department of Land and Natural Resources said.

The restoration area at Po‘oahonu, also known as Queen’s Pond, will be open on weekends.

“There is a compelling and critical need to protect this rare dune and coastal ecosystem. To facilitate the hauling and placement of boulders fronting the dunes, the existing entry road will also be improved. The boulders are intended to protect the dunes and surrounding natural resources,” said Alan Carpenter, assistant administrator of the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks, in a statement.

“This action is being undertaken to prevent vehicles from driving on highly sensitive cultural sites and damaging native and endangered plants. Signs will also be placed to educate park users on the cultural significance of the dunes, rules of the park, and other interpretive information.”

Before Division of State Parks personnel embarked on the project, they met with lineal descendents of Polihale, as well as members of the community, to consult about the restoration.

“We ask park users to be aware of the significance of the dunes, and to traverse only on designated roadways and paths,” Carpenter said.

The unique dune formations of Nohili at Pacific Missile Range Facility to Polihale contain natural and cultural resources, including traditional Hawaiian burial grounds.