Fourteen local residents recently completed training to become Kia`i Ala Hele (Trail Guardians). These volunteers will hike popular trails in the Summit District to help visitors discover Haleakalā.
The training included safety, radio communications, park resources, visitor services, and Leave No Trace wilderness education topics. Kia`i Ala Hele is funded by the Hawai`i Pacific Parks Association, a non-profit partner of Haleakalā National Park.
"This pilot program will help build stronger relationships between the park and local residents, while also educating visitors on the unique resources and importance of Haleakalā," said Chief of Interpretation Polly Angelakis. "If successful, our goal is to offer one or two Kia`i Ala Hele training sessions each year, bringing in even more local residents to volunteer in the park and giving visitors more opportunities to learn about this amazing place."
Trail Guardians commit to six hours per month for a minimum of six months. The next Kia`i Ala Hele training session is planned for late 2014 or early 2015 and will be advertised through the news media and the park's website (www.nps.gov/hale/supportyourpark/volunteer.htm) and Facebook page.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
