HONOLULU » The state is reopening Big Island hiking, hunting and bird watching areas it it closed last year amid the risk a fire would break out during a severe drought.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources says Puu Waawaa Forest Reserve, Kaohe Game Management Area and Puu Anahulu Game Management Area are being reopened Tuesday.

The department says officials determined recent rains provided enough moisture to reduce the danger of fire.

The areas include portions of the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve below 10,000 feet, all of the Kaohe Game Management Area, and all roads in the Ahumoa and Skyline area.

The state closed the areas last June and extended the closure three times.