Instead, she believes hikers themselves are largely responsible. In spite of the demand for public open space, there are still thousands of acres of state-owned lands on Maui that have yet to be developed for hiking trails. Many landowners are reluctant to allow access because they fear property damage and liability, the same reasons they try to keep out trespassers, said Bob Hobdy, district manager of the Division of Forestry and Wildlife. But a few have worked out arrangements that provide public access corridors to state lands. For example, a two-permit system currently allows individuals to access the Makawao Forest Reserve through Haleakala Ranch whenever they want, he said.
Hikers can get one permit to cross ranch land, and another to enter the state forest.
Each permit lasts up to six months. But, he said, there are still thousands of acres of state lands that can't be accessed by individuals. If landowners don't want the public coming in, we don't have much say about it. Author Smith said people who want access should speak out. I'd like to see a groundswell of people wanting access to public lands and contacting Na Ala Hele.