Rockfall threat shuts down portion of key highway on Maui

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A small portion of Hana Highway will be closed for up to one month, Maui County officials announced Tuesday.

The driver was uninjured but that close call prompted the county to assess the cliff side.

Workers deemed the area between Alelele Bridge and Lelekea Bridge unsafe. That stretch of the road is now closed.

Officials urge motorists to not travel between Hana and Kaupo for the time being.

Tourism industry officials are asking visitors to help curb traffic congestion by choosing group tours instead of driving individually to Hana.

Drivers will be turned around if they try to bypass the closure, officials said.

Emergency slope stabilization efforts are underway and rock scaling is slated to begin June 5.

In the meantime, the county is asking residents impacted by the emergency closure of Hana Highway to report impacts and needs for assistance.

To report impacts to the Maui Emergency Management Agency, click here.