The Maui News - Public access to portions of the ‘Ahihi-Kina‘u Natural Area Reserve will be closed for two years beginning Aug. 1, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources announced last week. Officials will close off access to the majority of the 2,000-acre reserve between ‘Ahihi and La Perouse bays. All access into restricted areas will require an approved permit and a ranger escort at all times. State land officials plan to post regulatory and educational signs about the closure and the resources in the reserve during the two-year period. In addition, staff will be monitoring sensitive areas in the reserve and assessing whether further protective measures and actions might be taken, while still allowing for public access in the future. Public meetings are also planned to discuss the future for the reserve. At the end of the two-year period, the department will present its findings to the Board of Land and Natural Resources. The panel will determine if further restrictions are warranted or if the reserve will be reopened.