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Haleakala National Park is recruiting local residents for a new visitor center volunteer program and the existing Kia'i ala Hele, or Trail Guardians program, which educates visitors about the cultural and natural resources of the park.
The Kia'i ala Hele group has been in place since 2014, Polly Angelakis, chief of interpretation and education at the park, said Friday. The visitor center volunteer program is new and operating as a pilot program this year. Park officials chose not to recruit for the new volunteer program in 2016 because of the numerous centennial events.
Haleakala National Park celebrated its 100-year anniversary last year.
When asked if the new volunteer recruitment is due to staffing reductions at the park, Angelakis said that staffing varies from year to year.
"We are abiding by the hiring freeze and awaiting further guidance," she said, referring to President Donald Trump's freeze on the hiring of federal workers.
The volunteer programs "are a way to get local residents more involved" with Haleakala National Park, she said, adding that park rangers still will be on hand.
The visitor center volunteers will provide information about park resources and issue backcountry permits in the two visitor centers in the Summit District atop Haleakala. They also will assist as needed on guided walks and talks. Those who sign up commit to volunteering six hours a week for six months.
Kia'i ala Hele volunteers will provide general and safety information to hikers and backpackers on popular trails in the Summit and Kipahulu districts. The volunteer commitment is six hours a month for six months.
The application deadline is Feb. 15. Families are encouraged to apply.
Volunteers are required to attend three training sessions, offered from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 21 and 22 at the Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 25 at park headquarters, just past the entrance gate to the park.
Training will cover natural and cultural resources, education, safety and radio protocols. Volunteers must attend all sessions.
Additional training on CPR and first aid will be scheduled in March, or volunteers can provide proof of current certifications.
For more information and to apply, go to www.nps.gov/hale/getinvolved/volunteer.htm and click on the "Visitor Services Volunteers 2017" link for training information and the application.
For more information, call volunteer coordinator Amandine Maury at 572-4487.
* Lee Imada can be reached at leeimada@mauinews.com.