News Release

Haleakalā National Park Asks for Assistance with Tree Poaching Violations

A Milo tree  that has been cut down at Lelekea Beach in the Kῑpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: February 8, 2022

Contact: Jin Prugsawan

Kula, Maui —The National Park Service is requesting assistance in identifying those responsible for poaching trees at Lelekea Beach in the Kῑpahulu District of Haleakalā National Park. The incident took place overnight between February 3 and 4, 2022. Park rangers report one Milo tree was cut down and another tree was damaged when large limbs were cut from it. It is illegal to possess, destroy, injure or cut down trees within a national park.

The National Park Service is requesting any information that might help identify those responsible, including:

• Description of vehicles or persons observed at the scene,
• Name of persons responsible or involved,
• Any other pertinent information.

To share information, you can:

• Call 808-985-4444

• Email [e-mail]
• Report online at www.nps.gov/ISB and click “Submit a Tip”
• Report anonymously by call or text the Investigative Services Branch Tip line at 888-653-0009.

“We thank anyone willing to come forward to share information and help us identify those responsible for cutting down these trees,” said Chief Ranger Ari Wong. “Milo trees are not only culturally significant to Hawaiians but the trees that were cut down were valued by our local community for the shade they provided at Lelekea Beach,” added Wong.

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