Haleakala National Park seeks astronomy, hiking tour operators

Deadline for NPS applications Dec. 21

Haleakala National Park is seeking applicants for up to four guided astronomy tour permits and up to six guided hiking tour permits, the park announced Wednesday.

All applications for commercial use authorization must be received no later than 4 p.m. Hawaii time on Dec. 21. Permits will be valid for up to two years.

The call for astronomy and hiking applications that closed on Nov. 15 has been canceled; applicants to the Nov. 15 solicitation may resubmit their applications by the new deadline for no additional fee. All interested parties are advised to use the updated application document at www.nps.gov/hale/getinvolved/dobusinesswith us.htm.

Commercial use authorization permits allow an individual, group, company or other for-profit entity to conduct commercial activities and provide specific visitor services within the park. Haleakala uses the system to limit the number of commercial operators and reduce visitor impact on the park.

A multistep process will be used to select the permit recipients. If there are more qualified applicants than available slots, a competitive process will be used to evaluate and award the permits. It is illegal to conduct business in a park area without a permit, contract or other agreement.

For more information on the process and permits, and to view the park’s Commercial Services Plan, visit www.nps. gov/hale/learn/management/in dex.htm or contact Lahela Park at HALE_Commercial_Man ager@nps.gov.