Paragliders Apprehended at Haleakalā National Park

Haleakalā silversword landscape. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

Two paragliders were apprehended at Haleakalā National Park today — one for illegally launching and landing in critical endangered species habitat, and the other for attempting to launch, park officials said.

Authorities say the two males were apprehended within the crater area of the park on Tuesday, Aug. 19.

According to Park Chief of Interpretation and Education Polly Angelakis, their equipment was seized and impounded, and federal charges are pending.

Angelakis noted that under federal law, powered and non-powered flight into the crater is prohibited without a permit. “The federal rules exist to protect these critical natural and cultural resources,” she said.

“Haleakalā National Park protects cultural resources that are sacred to native Hawaiians and provides critical habitat for endangered and threatened species found nowhere else on earth,” said Angelakis.