Two state parks to close early on July 4th

Two state parks will close early on July 4th over concerns about fireworks, officials said yesterday.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources will close the entrance gates to Pu’u ‘Ualaka’a (Round Top), and Wa’ahila Ridge state parks, at 4 p.m. on Sunday.

"We are closing these parks early to discourage use of fireworks, which is prohibited, and to protect the public and natural resources there," DLNR chairperson Laura H. Thielen said.

The park will resume normal hours on Monday, opening at 7 a.m. and closing at 7:45 p.m., officials said.