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Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park » Consider Options for Recreational Use and Access of Newly Acquired Lands, Great Crack and Ala Waiʻi Parcels
| Community Meeting for the Great Crack and Ala Waiʻi | ||||
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Time Zone | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 23, 2023 | 12:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Pāhala Community Center 96 Kamani St. Pahala , Hawaii |
|
Description:
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park seeks community input about the potential future use and stewardship of the remote Great Crack and Ala Waiʻi areas and will host a community "talk story" meeting at the Pāhala Community Center on Saturday, September 23 from noon to 2 p.m.
The park accepted stewardship of the 1,951-acre Great Crack in 2018, and the adjacent2,750-acre Ala Waiʻi area in 2022 because of their unique geologic, biological and cultural resources and public concerns for the areas to be protected from future development.
The park is working to create a long-term plan for managing the Great Crack and Ala Waiʻi areas. Great Crack, an 18-mile long fissure up to 50 feet wide in some places, was designated as potential wilderness in 1978 while under private ownership. Over the years, various commercial developments were proposed by the previous landowner, including a space launch facility, but none were implemented. Ala Waiʻi needs to be evaluated for wilderness eligibility.
Both areas are currently managed by the park as wilderness backcountry and are open to the public for day hiking. Overnight use is allowed with a backcountry permit obtained through Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Backcountry Office.
The public may also submit comments via mail or email to the park superintendent:
Attention: Superintendent
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
P.O. Box 52
Hawaii National Park, HI 96718
Or email
havo_superintendent@nps.gov
Meeting Directions/Instructions:
URL/Webinar link:
https://www.nps.gov/havo/learn/news/20230823-great-crack-talk-story.htm#:~:text=Hawaii%20National%20Park%2C%20HAWAI%E2%80%98I%20%E2%80%93%20Hawai%E2%80%98i%20Volcanoes%20National,Saturday%2C%20September%2023%20from%20noon%20to%202%20p.m.