Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 19, Number 9, 1 September 2002 — Mākua accesses [ARTICLE]

Mākua accesses

Eight cultural accesses into Mlākua Valley, including two overnight stays, are planned for October through December: Sept. 7, 15, 21 (overnight to Sun. Sept. 22), Oct. 6, 26, Nov. 22 (overnight to Sat. Nov. 23 to open the Mlakahiki season), Dec. 7, 15. The accesses all start at 7 a.m. at the main gate of the valley. The Army does not allow slippers or open~toed footwear and requires children unaccompanied by a parent

to present signed permission from their legal guardian. Forms are available from the Army, 655-2919, or Mlālama Mlākua. Participants should bring water, snacks and sun protection and be prepared to walk up to 4 miles including hills. The accesses will explore three valleys known as Mlākua — Kahanahaiki, Mlākua and Kociahi — whieh are home to extensive cultural and archaeologi~ eal sites including heiau and over 40 endangered species, including the Hawaiian tree snail, the O'ahu "elepaio, and the only original hāhā plant existing inthewild. The public is allowed to partici~ pate in these accesses under terms of a settlement agreement between Mlālama Mlākua and the Army, whieh uses Mlākua for live fire training exercises. The Army requests advance notice of the names of participants, soplease eall 696-4677, 696-9921, or 696-2823 at least three days before the access.