A large rock dropped from the ceiling of Kaumana Cave on Saturday, September 23, around 1 p.m. causing the county to temporarily close the cave. No one was in the cave at the time the rock fell and no injuries have been reported.
A county worker on the scene said the rock that fell was about three feet in diameter and dropped from the left side of the cave.
County workers were closing off the park and they did not have an estimate as to when the cave would reopen.
Hawaii County Civil Defense released the following message:
This is a Civil Defense Message
This is a County Park Closure message for Saturday September 23 at 1 in the afternoon.
The Hawaii County Department of Parks and Recreation reports Kaumana Cave County Park in Kaumana outside of Hilo is Closed due to a partial collapse of the cave structure. The collapse appears to be in the area near the entrance to the cave and no injuries have been reported. The cave will remain closed until further notice and after an assessment is conducted on the stability of the cave to determine safety for those visiting the site.
You will be informed of any changes that may affect your safety.