NAPALI COAST — A contagious virus forced the closure of the entire stretch of Kalalau Trail section until state agencies can ensure the well-being of the public after dozens of people fell ill following a trek through the area.
NAPALI COAST — A contagious virus forced the closure of the entire stretch of Kalalau Trail section until state agencies can ensure the well-being of the public after dozens of people fell ill following a trek through the area.
The highly contagious norovirus was pegged as the cause of illness to backpackers and hikers on the trail. The shuttered section stretches from Kee to Honopu in the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks said in an update on the issue.
The closure could last until at least Sept. 19. In the meantime, the Kalalau Trailhead will be manned by law enforcement personnel 24 hours a day, seven days a week to prevent entrance onto the popular trail.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources said all comfort stations along the trail were being cleaned and disinfected. Of note, Haena State Park and Kee Beach will remain open with disinfection and enhanced cleaning at the comfort station.
The Department of Health said 37 people, who were recently hiking the Kalalau Trail and camping at a state campsite at Kalalau Beach on the trail, reported falling ill.
A Department of Health team was in Kalalau on Friday to collect water, soil and environmental swabs to assess ongoing risk of transmission from contaminated surfaces or water.
