The state today will reopen thousands of acres of forest reserves in the Wai'anae Mountains that had been closed to the public for the past month because of concerns about fire risks.

The Kuaokala, Mokule'ia, Makua-Kea'au and Wai'anae Forest Reserves and the Kuaokala game management area will be reopened by the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife.

Together, the areas total more than 10,000 acres.

"Due to improved weather conditions and general maintenance conducted by (Forestry and Wildlife) staff, we are now able to reopen these areas," said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairwoman. "Hiking and camping will be permitted where posted."

Thielen said the department appreciated the public's patience during the time the reserves and game management area were off limits. The areas are popular with campers, hikers, hunters and four-wheelers.

The restrictions were imposed late last month out of concern for public safety because of dry conditions around the island, said DLNR's Wayne Ching. At the time, Ching said the dry conditions combined with recent fires in the area presented a potential threat to the public, forests and mountain wildlife.

Thielen advised that off-road vehicles, trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs may only be used for transport on the unimproved roads. "They must remain on-road at all times, and are not to be used for climbing hillsides, road banks, or trail riding, which erode the earth and destroy vegetation," she said.