Thursday, December 18, 2014

Na Ala Hele - Hiking Hawai'i






Na Ala Hele
  • �Na Ala Hele� is the State of Hawaii Trail and Access Program. Established in 1988 in response to public concern about the loss of public access to certain trails and the threat to historic trails from development pressure. Na Ala Hele has become increasingly engaged in trail management and regulatory issues due to both public and commercial recreational activities and emerging legal issues.
  • Administered by the Division of Forestry and Wildlife � Department of Land and Natural Resources.
  • Legal authority:
    • Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 198D.
    • Hawaii Administrative Rules, Title 13, Chapter 130.
  • Administrative directives:
    • Regulate activity for specific trails and accesses.
    • Conduct trail and access inventory and classification.
    • Investigate potential and needed trails and accesses.
    • Examine legal issues associated with trails and access.
    • Act as point of contact for trail and access information and issues.
    • Conduct trail and access advisory council meetings.
  • Primary management activities:
    • Construct, restore and maintain trails, and access roads by staff and partnerships with community volunteers.
  • Island Trail and Access Advisory Councils, comprised of trail user groups and constituents, provide a venue for public input on implementing the program.
  • Trails and access roads are important management features that provide multiple services:
    • Access to suppress wildland fire.
    • Access to hunting game animals.
    • Access to monitor, research and restore native flora, and fauna.
    • Access to experience cultural history and historic trail features.
    • Access to search and rescue efforts, and resource management.
    • Access to recreational opportunities (hiking, hunting, bicycling, horseback riding).
    • Access to economic and tourism opportunities through commercial trail hikes.
Day Use Trail Safety
  • Before You Go:
    • Get Information: Prepare your hiking route. Maps and directions are available through this website. If using a trail not shown on this site or map links, or want more information, contact trail staff via the "Contact" portion of the website.
    • Inform others: Tell someone of your hiking plans including the trail name, location, and your estimated time of return.
    • Assess your capabilities: Be aware of your physical limitations, skills, and energy levels.
    • Check the weather forecast for the day: If a storm is forecasted, consider hiking on another day � or select trails in dryer areas.
    • Carry a small pack with water: with some basic first aid materials, energy snacks, cell phone, and plastic garbage bag (for either collecting rubbish or to use as a rain gear).
    • Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes with good traction:This will make the hike fun for everyone, and improve your hiking skill and safety.
  • When You Are Out There:
    • ALWAYS STAY ON SIGNED AND MANAGED TRAILS! Trails and access roads on this site are maintained and designated for public use. Hiking and leaving a maintained trail is dangerous (i.e. hiking on adjacent ridgelines, gulches, or cliff climbing etc.).
    • Pay attention: to posted warning and management signs.
    • If the direction of the trail looks confusing: go back and start over.
    • Do not hike alone: consider hiking with a group of people.
    • Keep track of time: by allowing sufficient time to return before dark.

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