Headquarters Visitor Center to stay closed until structural engineer assesses the damage

Cracked beam and support pole.

NPS

News Release Date: March 4, 2015

Contact: Polly Angelakis, 808-572-4450

The Headquarters Visitor Center of Haleakalā NP will remain closed until a structural engineer can assess the damage and determine how and when the building can be reopened. This visitor center is the one just past the Summit Entrance Station.The headquarters rest rooms, which are not near the damage, remain open.

Shaping the plywood base. NPS

The Haleakalā Visitor Center, on the rim of the crater, is open and is where visitors can obtain park information, camping permits, and cabin permits. Campers and cabin users are advised to pick up their permits at Haleakalā Visitor Center by 3pm. The Haleakalā Visitor Center is a 30 minute drive past the Summit Entrance Station.

Installing plywood base. NPS

Last week, the Headquarters Visitor Center closed after visual inspection by a park general engineer of a crack in a ceiling beam located directly above the visitor center desk. Park workers stabilized the ceiling beam via support poles and bases inside and underneath the building. To protect visitors and staff, the park decided to keep the visitor center closed until a structural engineer can run a series of tests to fully assess the damage.

Front of desk footprint of support beams and base. NPS

We appreciate everyone's continued patience and support regarding this safety concern. We will keep you posted as to when the structural engineer will arrive and what the assessment and next steps are.

 Rear of desk footprint beams and base. NPS