Maris Inc. Awarded `Ohe`o Gulch Scaling Contract
Haleakalā NP is pleased to announce that contract number 140P8218C0003 was awarded to Maris Inc. to complete rock scaling and vegetation removal on the vertical cliff face of `Ohe`o Gulch. This project will significantly reduce the potential for rock fall hazards or falling debris.
Work will begin mid-January 2018 and is expected to finish in April 2018. The date for re-opening the `Ohe`o pools to the public remains uncertain as weather and site conditions may affect the work schedule. The park will keep the public updated via press releases and social media.
Due to rockslides, underwater hazards, and frequent flashfloods, the park does not recommend swimming or wading in the Pools of `Ohe`o. The famous pools closed last year on Jan. 3, 2017 due to a rockslide. One park visitor sustained minor injuries. The park closed the pools to protect visitor safety until mitigation measures could be completed.
In February 2017 a geotechnical engineering firm and rock fall mitigation contractor conducted a hazard assessment. Scaling was the recommended solution. Scaling involves removal of vegetation, loose debris, and rocks likely to fall. Follow-up maintenance will include on-going monitoring of site conditions and clearing of new vegetation, debris, and rocks as needed.
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Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
