Public comment period ends June 20 on draft air tour management plan for Haleakalā

June 20, 2023 marks the end of a 30 day comment period on a draft air tour management plan for Haleakalā National Park on Maui.

The proposed plan would authorize up to 2,412 air tours per year on a defined route within the planning area. That’s half of what was reported in the area per year between 2017 and 2019.

The purpose of the plan is to ensure protection of park resource values, including natural sounds, wilderness character, visitor experiences, wildlife, and other natural and cultural resources.

In addition to the plan, comment is also being sought on the associated environmental assessment proposed for Haleakalā National Park. 

Public feedback can be submitted through the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment website through June 20, 2023. The NPS and FAA will consider comments to help inform the final ATMP for Haleakalā National Park. More information is available on the project website.

The draft plan is based on current operations and reported air tour levels at Haleakalā National Park.

Haleakalā National and the FAA are working towards completing the air tour management plan for Haleakalā National Park by Dec. 31, 2023. The schedule is part of a plan approved by the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit for the agencies to comply with the National Parks Air Tour Management Act of 2000. 

An important part of the process is the inclusion of Native Hawaiian Organizations. The agencies are consulting with NHOs and members of the Haleakalā National Park’s kūpuna (elders, ancestors, starting points, sources) consultation group, which consists of elders and individuals with in-depth knowledge of the historic and cultural significance to resources within the park. 

Links to meeting notifications, recordings, and slide decks (where applicable) will be posted to the NPS site.