Haleakalā National Park will celebrate the 98th birthday of the National Park Service by waiving its normal entrance fee of $10 on Monday, August 25.
"Haleakalā NP was established in 1916 to preserve unique natural and cultural resources. Some of these resources, like the Haleakalā `āhinahina (silversword), are found nowhere else on earth," said Superintendent Natalie Gates."We encourage residents and visitors alike to explore the park and discover these treasures."
1961 Haleakala dedication as a separate NPS unit: Haleakala NP became a separate NP on July 1, 1961.
August 25 also kicks off the park's Nēnē Awareness Day Logo Contest, in which middle school students create a logo and slogan about why the endangered birds are special or what people can do to protect the birds. Entries will be accepted until September 18. Drawings will be on display at the park starting on Nēnē Awareness Day, Sept. 26, and at the National Park Service booth at the Maui County Fair. Contest information can be found at www.nps.gov/hale/planyourvisit/things2do.htm.
In 1872, Yellowstone National Park was established as the world's first national park. There were 37 national parks in the United States when President Woodrow Wilson signed legislation to create the National Park Service on Aug. 25, 1916. Last year, more than 785,000 park visitors enjoyed Haleakalā NP, added $47 million to the local economy, and supported 536 area jobs. The mission of the National Park Service also extends beyond park boundaries. Community partnerships help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. To see what is happening in Hawaii, go to www.nps.gov/HI.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
