HVNP open during federal shutdown

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park remains open today after parts of the federal government entered a shutdown due to a lapse of appropriations.

Some roads, trails and viewpoints will remain accessible; however, emergency and rescue services will be limited, the National Park Service said in a press release.

Also, no visitor services, such as public information, will be available.

Areas that remain open are:

— Kilauea Visitor Center, picnic tables and restrooms. Exhibits will be open but the auditorium will be closed.

— Hawaii Pacific Parks Association store.

— Crater Rim Drive from park entrance to Kilauea Military Camp.

— Crater Rim Trail between Volcano House and KMC.

— Volcano House lodging, gift stores and restaurants.

— KMC and theater.

— Volcano Art Center gallery.

— Steam vents and sulphur banks.

— Mauna Loa Road to Kipukapuaulu.

— Mauna Loa Road to Mauna Loa Lookout (pedestrians and bicyclists only).

— Kipukapuaulu day use picnic area (no trash or custodial services).

— Kipukapuaulu and trail.

— Ka‘u Desert Trail to the footprints shelter and exhibit.

The rest of the park will be closed, including Chain of Craters Road, Escape Road, all campgrounds, backcountry areas, and Kahuku.

Parts of the park already were closed due to damage from the recent Kilauea eruption.

All NPS events have been canceled, including ranger-guided hikes and volunteer stewardship programs.

No entrance fees will be charged.

Monitoring of Kilauea and other Hawaii volcanoes remains ongoing, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

“All five U.S. Volcano Observatories will continue to monitor volcanoes for signs of activity then issue updates, warnings, and notifications through websites, email, and social media,” the agency said on Facebook.

Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
Source: Hawaii Tribune Herald