WAILUKU, Maui — Cars will once again be able to travel between Kipahulu and Hana when the county opens a temporary bridge in Wailua on Sunday.

The Oct. 15 earthquakes damaged the 95-year-old Paihi Bridge that spanned the gulch there. The one-lane concrete bridge was closed to vehicles, but pedestrians continued to walk across it despite safety warnings.

Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. was hired by the county to build a temporary 120-foot-long steel replacement.

The county will hold a public blessing at 2 p.m. Sunday with kahu Charles Kauluwehi Maxwell Sr. before letting cars pass through on the bridge.

The bridge opening also means the Kipahulu District of Haleakala National Park, featuring the Pools of 'Ohe'o, will reopen. The park was closed to discourage motorists from attempting to drive on unsafe roads in the area.

However, the Ka'apahu area of Haleakala National Park, on the Kaupo side of Kipahulu, will remain closed due to concerns about unstable cliffs and falling rocks on Pi'ilani Highway at 'Alelele and Kalepa.

Consultant Geolabs-Hawai'i's report to the county on ways to fix the problem is due Dec. 12. A rock-scaling plan is expected to begin in January to loosen and clear fragile rock faces and boulders, county officials said. Road-closed signs will remain posted on Pi'ilani Highway between Manawainui and Kipahulu.