HVNP Announces Flight Operations for January

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park announces the following flight operations for January:

• Between 10 a.m. and noon Tuesday, Jan. 4, for survey and collection of aerial imagery to detect rapid ʻōhiʻa death and other invasive species in Kahuku between 2,000 and 4,500 feet in elevation.
• Between 8 and 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5, for survey and control of invasive banana poka on Mauna Loa between 4,000 and 5,000 feet in elevation.
• Between 10 a.m. and noon Thursday, Jan. 6, for survey and collection of aerial imagery to detect rapid ʻōhiʻa death and other invasive species between 3,500 and 4,500 feet in elevation.
• Between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Jan. 10 to transport sling loads and staff for invasive guinea grass control work in the coastal backcountry between 70 and 2,400 feet in elevation.
• Between 9 a.m. and noon Jan. 13 to transport sling loads and staff for invasive guinea grass control work in the coastal backcountry between 70 and 2,400 feet in elevation.
• From 7-11 a.m. Jan. 20 for aerial control and mapping of fountain grass from the park’s west boundary to Keauhou between sea level and 3,500 feet in elevation.

In addition, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory might conduct flight operations over Kīlauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation.

Management of the park 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 maintain backcountry facilities.

The park regrets any noise impact to residents and park visitors.

Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather.