Wrong-way driver injures 1 in Kipu

Kauai police arrested a 38-year-old Koloa man Monday for allegedly driving the wrong way in Kipu and causing a crash that injured a 37-year-old woman driving a Mazda sedan.

The woman was taken to Wilcox Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. Police said the man was uninjured.

The crash occurred at 9 p.m., when a Dodge pickup truck was heading west in the eastbound lane on Kaumualii Highway.

The truck was just east of Halfway Bridge when it hit the oncoming Mazda sedan, causing extensive damage.

The pickup truck spun out of control, struck a guardrail on the eastbound shoulder, then stopped along the westbound shoulder.

Police arrested the man on suspicion of reckless driving, inattention to driving, and drug and drug paraphernalia offenses.

He was released pending investigation. Police recovered the vehicle for evidence.

The highway was closed in both directions.

Waihee hikers cautioned

State conservation officials are nearing completion of $122,000 in trail improvements to the popular Waihee Ridge Trail in the West Maui Mountains and are asking hikers to use caution during the final phases of construction.

The improvements provide two viewing platforms, improved drainage in boggy areas and better traction along the trail.

Waihee Ridge is the most popular Maui trail in the state’s Na Ala Hele Trail and Access Program, state Department of Land and Natural Resources officials said in a statement.

The 2.5-mile trail starts at 1,000 feet and rises to 2,563 feet, overlooking the Wailuku plains, Kahakuloa slopes and Mount Eke.

Camping is not permitted and no drinking water is available along with trail.