Waipio Valley

The County of Hawaiʻi is working to address public safety concerns on Waipiʻo Valley’s notoriously steep road. The Conversation spoke with Mayor Mitch Roth about balancing the different community interests, as well as the county’s timeline for road repairs.

Hawaiʻi County Mayor Mitch Roth discusses Waipiʻo Valley access; Neuropsychologist and father of former NFL player on brain injury and prevention; Rally to support free speech; Author sets middle book in Fort Shafter

Waipiʻo kūpuna and their supporters have established what some are calling a checkpoint at the top of the road, asking folks to turn around. They say their mission is to educate residents and visitors. Others say the group is unfairly limiting access to the valley. HPR's Savannah Harriman-Pote has more.

Waipiʻo Valley kūpuna, farmers and longtime ʻohana have set up a “kūpuna checkpoint” near the valley lookout, urging drivers wishing to access the valley not to do so at this time.

Access to the valley closed in February due to road safety concerns. Hawaiʻi Island Mayor Mitch Roth amended the rule late last week, adding that all those wanting access will need a covered 4-wheel drive vehicle, which would prohibit ATVs and horseback access.

An unknown disease is killing wild horses in Waipi?o Valley on Hawai?i Island.Locals say there are between 30 to 50 wild horses roaming in three herds in…