Popular camping area shuttered

NAPALI COAST — A popular wilderness camping location was shut down for seven days after a number of people contracted a gastrointestinal illness while in the area within the last two to three weeks.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of State Parks (DSP) said on Tuesday evening it was closing the Kalalau Section of the NaPali Coast State Wilderness Park on Kauai. The department made the decision based on a recommendation from the Department of Health.

The closure took effect on Wednesday, at which time the DLNR said a team of officers from its Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement were scheduled to arrive at the wilderness park. One officer was expected to be stationed at Hanakapiai to inform hikers of the closure.

Two other officers were expected to hike into Kalalau to check on campers still at the Kalalau camping site and provide medical assistance if needed. The Kalalau camping area can accommodate approximately 80 people at full capacity.

“This is a very concerning and rare occurrence, magnified by the extreme remote nature of the Kalalau Valley,” said DSP Administrator Curt Cottrell in a statement.

“We appreciate the DOH guidance in helping manage and mitigate this isolated outbreak in hope no one else is exposed or gets sick.”

The Department of Health has received reports about acute gastrointestinal illness, which can cause nausea, vomitting and diarrhea, from 24 people who have hiked the Kalalau Trail since Aug. 14. One person was evacuated from the area, but no one has been hospitalized.

Laboratory tests are underway, but based on the reported sysmptoms the suspected illness is Noroviurs, the DLNR said.

People who have recently been on the trail are advised to monitor themselves for symptoms. If the symptoms are severe or do not improve within 24 to 48 hours, people are advised to seek medical attention.