Volcanoes National Park Master Mechanic Retires

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park master mechanic Harold Mulliken will be retiring as 2014 comes to an end.

Mulliken, who was born and raised in Volcano, has served the community and his “playground” in various capacities over the past 25 years.

In 1990, Mulliken began his career fixing all types of vehicles and equipment. In his years with the national park, he assisted in paving roads and making trails in the park, as well as work as a backup river and heavy equipment operator. Among his many projects and accomplishments, the Volcano native helped to build a coastal shelter to assist the Hawai’i Island Hawksbill Turtle Recovery Project.

“There was never a time Harold wasn’t willing to help out or try something new. His postitive ‘anything-is-possible’ attitude helped to create the infrastructure of the park today,” said Jon Mitsuda, Acting Roads and Trails Supervisor. “We are going to miss not just his skill set, but his teamwork mentality.”

Working in the park has become a family affair, as Mulliken’s children and wife have also held park employee roles over the years.

As a retired man, Mulliken looks forwards to traveling to and exploring mainland national parks with his wife, Annabelle, and restoring his fleet of 12 Mustangs.