Superintendent Parris Seeks Input on Entrance Fees for Haleakalä National Park

Date: April 11, 2007
Contact: Sharon Ringsven, 808-572-4450

Comments and input about the entrance fee structure at Haleakalä National Park are being solicited from the public. “We are proposing some changes to our fees,” notes Superintendent Marilyn H. Parris, “and it is important to get public feedback before we move ahead.”

Under the authority of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, national parks are allowed to keep up to 80 percent of the recreation fees collected.

At Haleakala, visitors reap the rewards of a diversified investment of their entrance fees in projects that enhance visitor health and safety, access, and enjoyment. Here are just a few examples of park projects funded by fee revenues:

• Installing 28 wayside exhibits throughout the summit area of Haleakalä and 21 plant identification markers in Hosmer Grove in May 2007
• Rehabilitating the restroom facilities in Kipahulu in 2006 and planned renovations, improvements, and construction of parking lot, campground, and restroom facilities in 2008
• Printing of free brochures and map for park visitors every year

New enhanced revenue will support endeavors that increase visitor enjoyment and protect natural and cultural resources. 

“We’ll invest in projects that will take us into the next century and will be cause for celebration on August 1, 2016, the 100th anniversary of Haleakala National Park,” said Parris.

Future Projects include:

• A boardwalk trail in Kipahulu along the lower Pipiwai stream and Küloa Point
• Exhibits at the Headquarters Visitor Center, House of the Sun Visitor Center, and Summit Shelter.
• Rehabilitate of park trails

The specific fee increases proposed to go into effect on January 1, 2008 at Haleakala include the following:

• A proposed increase from $10 to $20 for a private vehicle pass that allows a car unlimited park access for one to three days.
• A proposed change from motorcycles being considered a vehicle to its own rate of $15 per motorcycle with unlimited access for one to three days.
• A proposed increase from $5 to $10 for a per person pass that allows a pedestrian or bicyclist unlimited park access for one to three days.
• A proposed increase from $25 to $30 for the Hawai‘i Tri-Park Pass that allows the cardholder(s) entrance to Haleakala, Hawai‘i Volcanoes, and Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau, national parks for a year from the date of purchase.

The Tri-park Pass, which would normally be priced at $40, has been held to $30 for the Hawai‘i parks. Particularly geared to Hawai‘i residents, this is a cost effective alternative to the Interagency Pass for all national parks, that is priced at $80.

The entrance fees for commercial users will remain the same for now, except where individual fees are charged. However, comments on the Commercial Fee structure are also welcome.

The public comment period will be open for 45 days and will run from May 1, 2007 through June 15, 2007. Comments can be mailed to Superintendent, Haleakala National Park, P.O. Box 369, Makawao, HI 96768 or emailed to e-mail us

Information about the park can be found at www.nps.gov/hale

 “This is a great deal for everyone,” suggests the superintendent. “Imagine, for the price of movie tickets, a family can experience the awesome power of Haleakalä for three days. You can find something to satisfy any curiosity here if you look. Nature, history, culture, people, places -- it’s all available. While you are enjoying yourself, you are helping protect these things with your fees.”

Comments about the fee structure at Haleakala can be sent to:

Fee Program Comments- Superintendent

P.O. Box 369, Makawao, HI 96768