However it is not possible to climb down to where the water falls into a pool. The trail has been blocked by a steel fence since 2006 when two women fell off an unofficial but well-publicized rocky path to the pool. Two other hikers found their bodies 35 feet (11 m) away from the pool. At the time they fell from the path the state had already posted a sign at head of trail saying “Danger Keep Out — Hazardous Conditions”.[5] This means that currently neither the top nor the bottom of the waterfall can be accessed on foot. However, unofficially there are paths to both places, so-called “secret trails”, which circulate via guide books, websites and by word of mouth. “It’s clear that anything that may look like a trail around ʻOpaekaʻa is not a state-sanctioned trail,” said the head of the island’s official trails system.[6] State park officials have made it clear that the trail was never part of the park’s official trail system and that the steel blockade to the trail will remain in place for the foreseeable future. Violating the blockade is considered a misdemeanor with a possible penalty of a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 30 days in jail.[5]
The closing of these “unofficial” trails is very controversial and many hikers think that people should be allowed to take their chances. They feel that warning sign and other state measures are merely an attempt for the state to avoid lawsuits.[7]
There are rumors that there is an unkempt 0.6-mile (0.97 km) hunter trail leading to the bottom, where there is access to the large, deep pool at the bottom of the falls. Many deny the existence of the trail due to the danger in following these trails.[3]
“…many hikers think that people should be allowed to take their chances. They feel that warning sign and other state measures are merely an attempt for the state to avoid lawsuits.[7]”
Duh! you mean take their chances until they fall and then be able to sue for the lack of signage they protested in the 1st place.
Seems these people are just to arrogant and stupid to be allowed to take their chances!
This is extremely weak reporting. Could you at least tell us why the state was found liable.
Ouch! Ramirez’s life is worth $425,000, but her cousin, an attorney, is worth $15,000,000.
Come to think of it, shouldn’t it be the other way around?
No attorney is worth one/tenth of that amount!!!
Especially, a liberal CA P & I attorney.
She clearly was not very smart to walk where she could fall?
However it is not possible to climb down to where the water falls into a pool. The trail has been blocked by a steel fence since 2006 when two women fell off an unofficial but well-publicized rocky path to the pool. Two other hikers found their bodies 35 feet (11 m) away from the pool. At the time they fell from the path the state had already posted a sign at head of trail saying “Danger Keep Out — Hazardous Conditions”.[5] This means that currently neither the top nor the bottom of the waterfall can be accessed on foot. However, unofficially there are paths to both places, so-called “secret trails”, which circulate via guide books, websites and by word of mouth. “It’s clear that anything that may look like a trail around ʻOpaekaʻa is not a state-sanctioned trail,” said the head of the island’s official trails system.[6] State park officials have made it clear that the trail was never part of the park’s official trail system and that the steel blockade to the trail will remain in place for the foreseeable future. Violating the blockade is considered a misdemeanor with a possible penalty of a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 30 days in jail.[5]
The closing of these “unofficial” trails is very controversial and many hikers think that people should be allowed to take their chances. They feel that warning sign and other state measures are merely an attempt for the state to avoid lawsuits.[7]
There are rumors that there is an unkempt 0.6-mile (0.97 km) hunter trail leading to the bottom, where there is access to the large, deep pool at the bottom of the falls. Many deny the existence of the trail due to the danger in following these trails.[3]
Thanks for filling in the blanks
“…many hikers think that people should be allowed to take their chances. They feel that warning sign and other state measures are merely an attempt for the state to avoid lawsuits.[7]”
Duh! you mean take their chances until they fall and then be able to sue for the lack of signage they protested in the 1st place.
Seems these people are just to arrogant and stupid to be allowed to take their chances!