Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has announced it will be using helicopter services in various areas of the park over the next several weeks to reinforce its operations.
The upcoming flight plans and their purposes include:
Today, from 8 to 10 a.m., over Red Hill and the Mauna Loa summit to deliver new water tanks to the cabins there.
Today, from 10 to 11 a.m., over the Ola`a forest near Wright Road in Volcano Village to deliver fencing materials.
Thursday, Sept. 19, from noon to 1 p.m., at Kilauea’s summit to conduct search-and-rescue training.
Tuesday, Oct. 8, between 8 and 10 a.m., to Halape beach in the park’s Ka`u backcountry to deliver native naupaka plants for restoring turtle-nesting habitat.
Friday, Oct. 11, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., at Halape to deliver water and other supplies to crews monitoring turtle nesting sites.
Park spokeswoman Jessica Ferracane said the dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather.
Management of the park periodically requires the use of aircraft to monitor and research volcanic activity, conduct search-and-rescue missions and law enforcement operations, support management of natural and cultural resources, and to maintain backcountry facilities.
She said the park has not previously given advance notice of such operations but has decided to do so to allay any concerns visitors or residents may have about the helicopter activities.
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