Hawaii Volcanoes National Park announces flight plans for December 2020:
• Dec. 1-3, between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., for petrel monitoring on Mauna Loa from Kilauea to 9,000-ft. elevation.
• Dec. 8, between 8 a.m. and noon, to survey for rapid ohia death in the Kahuku Unit between 2,000- and 4,000-ft. elevation.
• Dec. 8, between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., for backcountry trail maintenance along the Ka‘u Desert Trail between Hilina Pali Lookout and Pepeiao.
• Dec. 10, between 10 a.m. and noon to survey for rapid ohia death in the Thurston Special Ecological Area between 3,000- and 4,000-ft. elevation.
• Dec. 15, between 8 a.m. and noon, for invasive fountain grass surveys and control along from the Ka‘u park boundary to Keauhou Trail, from sea level to 4,000-ft.elevation.
In addition, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct flight operations over Kilauea and Mauna Loa to assess volcanic activity and maintain instrumentation.
The park regrets any noise impact to residents and park visitors. 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.