Mayor extends emergency closure of Waipiʻo Valley Road with strict access rules

On Dec. 30, 2025 the County of Hawai‘i extended two emergency rules governing Waipiʻo Valley Road that were first adopted Sept. 15, 2022. Citing authority under the Hawai‘i Revised Statutes and concerns for public welfare, health, and safety, Mayor C. Kimo Alameda signed documents continuing Emergency Rule No. 1 and Emergency Rule No. 2. The rules have the force and effect of law.

Under the continued emergency rules Waipiʻo Valley Road remains closed to general public use, with express limited exceptions. Pedestrian traffic, uncovered vehicles including ATVs, and horseback access are explicitly prohibited. Vehicular access is limited to Hawai‘i County residents, licensed and insured tour operators with county permits, and Native Hawaiians exercising recognized traditional and customary rights. Those allowed to drive the road must meet strict vehicle and safety requirements: only low-range four-wheel drive vehicles may be used; vehicles must remain in 4WD mode at all times; gross vehicle weight rating limits and seatbelt requirements apply; and makai-bound vehicles are required to yield to mauka-bound vehicles.

The renewed rules require licensed and insured tour operators to obtain permits from the Mayor’s Office. Permits issued under the emergency rule are effective for four months. The mayor retains authority to grant individual exemptions on a case-by-case basis upon request.

The county also built explicit triggers for temporary complete closures. Significant weather events will prompt a full shutdown as determined by Hawai‘i County Civil Defense in consultation with the Department of Public Works. Access may be further suspended or restricted during active road repair and mitigation work. The Department of Public Works will hold public meetings as part of road utilization planning and has posted additional information and bulletins through its channels.

For Big Island County residents the continuation of these rules underscores a trade-off between public safety and access. Residents who traditionally used the road for daily travel, cultural practices, or recreation will face continued limits, while tour operators must adapt to permitting and vehicle requirements that could reshape how commercial access is organized. The provision preserving access for Native Hawaiians exercising traditional and customary rights affirms cultural considerations within the emergency framework, though those individuals may still be subject to vehicle and safety conditions.

The emergency rules consolidate county authority to manage a hazardous roadway environment and set the parameters for public engagement through upcoming Department of Public Works meetings. Residents and local operators seeking clarification are directed to County Public Works bulletins for updates on permitting, closures, and meeting schedules.