Yesterday Mayor Mitch Roth announced plans to wind down the Traffic Hazard Mitigation Route (THMR), set up as a result of the Mauna Loa eruption.  The closure should be complete by December at midnight on December 16.

The THMR was opened on December 1 and has been utilized by nearly 30,000 vehicles who accessed the roadway to get safe viewing points of the Mauna Loa eruption. No incidents were reported on or around the roadway throughout the 13 days of operation.

Beginning today through tomorrow, the THMR will only be open to the public between the hours of 4 pm and Midnight.

Gil Kahele Recreational Area will remain open 24 hours daily past December 16 for individuals looking to view the remnants of the eruption. Due to the anticipated traffic at the park, access to both the upper and lower restroom areas will be available. Parks staff requests that visitors keep their visit to under 90 minutes to help ensure accommodation for all passing by.

In a press release Mayor Roth said,“We’re proud to have stood up a safe access point to the Mauna Loa eruption for our residents and visitors to enjoy the beauty of Pele. Our administration was committed to the health and safety of our community throughout the eruption, and the THMR is just one small example of the work our teams and partners put in to keep everyone safe and informed.”