The Maui News

Federal officials are seeking public input on a plan that calls for cutting the number of air tours over Haleakala National Park.

The draft air tour management plan would authorize up to 2,412 air tours per year on a defined route within the air tour management plan planning area. On average, there were 4,824 air tours per year reported at Haleakala National Park from 2017 to 2019.

The National Park Service and the Federal Aviation Administration are seeking public feedback on the plan and an associated environmental assessment that are being prepared for Haleakala National Park. Comments are due June 16.

The draft plan is based on current operations and reported air tour levels at the park. Its purpose is to ensure protection of park resource values, including natural sounds, wilderness character, visitor experiences, wildlife, and other natural and cultural resources, according to a news release.

An important part of the process is the inclusion of Native Hawaiian organizations, the news release said. The agencies are consulting with the organizations and members of the Haleakala National Park’s kupuna consultation group, which consists of elders and individuals with in-depth knowledge of the historic and cultural significance to resources within the park.

The NPS and the FAA are working toward completing the air tour plan for the park by Dec. 31. The schedule is part of a plan approved by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit for the agencies to comply with the National Parks Air Tour Management Act of 2000.

A public meeting will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. May 25 via Zoom. To access the meeting, visit faavideo.zoomgov.com/j/1614722433 and enter passcode 246810. Participants can submit questions during the meeting at forms.gle/nCCQc SniKrBTz2RXA.

Public feedback also can be submitted through the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/HaleakalaDraftAT

MPandEA by 8 p.m. Hawaii time on June 16. The NPS and FAA will consider comments to help inform the final ATMP for Haleakala National Park. The project website is available at parkplanning.nps.gov/Haleakala ATMP.

Comments will not be accepted by email.

Written comments may be sent via postal mail to: Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, Kaitlyn Rimol, V-326, Attn: Haleakala National Park ATMP, 55 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02142.