Hawaii Volcanoes National Park announces the following upcoming flight plans for July 2019:
• Throughout July, a U.S. Geological Survey contractor will deploy LIDAR technology over Kilauea volcano’s summit and the Southwest Rift Zone. Data gathered will be used to document and map ground changes resulting from last year’s major summit collapse events. Flights will be slow and repetitive lawnmower-type grids from about 1,300 feet above ground level to as low as 500 feet above ground level.
• Monday, between 8-10 a.m., to transport fence construction materials along Chain of Craters Road near Ainahou.
• Tuesday, between 8 a.m.-noon, to survey and control invasive guinea grass along Keauhou Trail from sea level to 3,000-ft. elevation, and between 8-11 a.m., for backcountry trail support from Keauhou Shelter to Holei Flats.
• Wednesday, between 8-11 a.m., to transport feral ungulate fence construction material near the top of Mauna Loa Road.
• July 8, between 6-8 a.m., for petrel monitoring from Kilauea summit to Mauna Loa at about 9,000-ft. elevation.
• July 9, between 8:30-10 a.m., for petrel monitoring from Kilauea summit to Mauna Loa at about 9,000-ft. elevation.
• July 11, between 8 a.m.-noon, to survey and control invasive fountain grass from coastal areas to southwest boundary below 3,000-ft. elevation.
• July 15-18, between 9 a.m.-noon, for feral ungulate fence construction projects in the Southwest Rift Zone.
• July 23, between 8-11 a.m., Pepeiao Cabin maintenance from Hilina Pali Road to Pepeiao Cabin.
• July 30, between 6-9 a.m., for ungulate survey and control work within the Kahuku Unit paddock area, and between 8-11 a.m., Pepeiao Cabin maintenance from Hilina Pali Road to Pepeiao Cabin.
• July 31, between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., to survey invasive vegetation along Mauna Loa Road from 4,000’- to 6,000’-ft. elevation.
Dates and times are subject to change based on aircraft availability and weather.
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 to maintain backcountry facilities.