Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park announces flight operations for March 2021:
- March 2, between 6:30 a.m. and 8:15 a.m., for ungulate surveys and control work in Kahuku between 4,000- and 6,000-ft. elevation.
- March 2, between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., for fence material sling loads along the Kahuku boundary above Kaʻū Forest Reserve around the 5,500-ft. elevation.
- March 9, between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., for fence material sling loads within the ʻŌlaʻa tract between 3,000- and 4,000-ft. elevation.
- March 10, between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., for fence material sling loads within the ʻŌlaʻa tract between 3,000- and 4,000-ft. elevation.
- March 15, between 8 a.m. and noon, for invasive banana poka surveys and control on Mauna Loa between 5,000- and 6,400-ft elevation.
In addition, the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory may conduct flight operations over Kīlauea 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.