Beach parks closing early today

The Department of Land and Natural Resources will close Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area and Kekaha Kai State Park at 5 p.m. today to discourage fireworks use, as well as protect the public and natural resources, said Chairman William Aila Jr.

Fireworks are prohibited in state parks, Aila added.

Hapuna Beach SRA, including the Waialea Bay section, and Kekaha Kai State Park, including the Maniniowali (Kua Bay) and Mahaiula sections, will both close early.

Normal park hours will resume on Thursday as follows: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Kekaha Kai State Park and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Hapuna Beach SRA.