The state is prohibiting vehicles on part of the Kula State Forest Reserve Access Road on Maui because of dangerous road conditions.

The access road will be closed from an area near the "cement crossing" to Polipoli State Park and beyond because of damage caused by recent heavy rains, said the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Vehicular access is available up to the paved portion of the road.

Hiking and hunting areas are still accessible, albeit very muddy.

"We're concerned about public safety of anyone that would drive beyond this point under these conditions," Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairwoman, said in a news release Friday. "We're asking those that do choose to drive up to the barricade and walk in, to proceed with caution."

Hunters may enter the area from alongside the paved portion of the access.

The hiking trail system (Waiakoa Loop and Upper Waiohuli trails) can be accessed by walking in from the Kula Hunter Check station.

Those parking along the paved road are reminded to park off the road and not block the access in the event emergency vehicles must pass.

The reserve access road is projected to reopen as soon as weather allows it to dry and be repaired.

Forestry crews will need to use heavy equipment to remove dirt on the road and fill in washed-out road areas.