County of Hawaiʻi officials have announced that the Waipiʻo Valley access road will be closed to non-Waipiʻo residents over the Labor Day weekend. The decision to close the road comes as the Hawaiʻi County continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents have also requested the closure, citing high traffic, roadway, and health concerns. Guards will be positioned at the top of the road throughout the weekend to ensure compliance.

“Closing the valley access road to nonresidents will help us ensure the health and safety of the Waipiʻo Valley community and the community-at-large as we head into the long weekend,” said Mayor Mitch Roth in a press release.