PUNA, Hawaii: The Department of Land and Natural Resources issued the following media release about the closure of Pohoiki boat ramp:

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation today closed Pohoiki boat launch ramp in Puna until further notice pending removal of rubble and boulders tossed onto the ramp by high southerly surf.

This morning two boaters were waiting offshore, unable to land due to the rubble on the ramp. DOBOR Hawaii office sent workers to remove as much as they could.

With the assistance of Hawaii County Parks and Recreation, DOBOR staff were able to bring one boater in. The other boater decided to go to Hilo, with a friend standing by to make sure he would make the trip.

The U.S. Coast Guard was notified, and issued a Notice to Mariners informing boaters that the ramp was being closed due to adverse weather conditions. Information will be forthcoming as to when the closing would be lifted.

State Civil Defense was also notified and a high surf advisory is expected until tomorrow night at 6 pm. If conditions improve by Friday the ramp might be able to be reopened.

Hawaii DOBOR is contacting a salvage company to remove the boulders and rubble once the surf subsides and is safe to work.

For more information contact DOBOR Hawaii district office at (808) 327-3690.