There will be intermittent closures of Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park on July 18 and 19, 2016, while officials assess vegetation health using photogrammetry and multi-spectral analysis.

Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau NHP is mandated to care for the unique cultural and natural resources located within its boundaries. Over the past several years, park officials have noticed an increasing loss of the coconut trees located throughout its grounds.

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To address the potential increased loss of coconut palms and other important plant species, NHP officials are working towards gathering information which can inform them about the health of these important plants in order to improve their health.

Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau NHP has completed the permitting and approval process through the FAA and National Park Service to carryout research-driven flights of Unmanned Aerial Systems.

Because of the use of UAS/UAVs as part of this project, there will be intermittent closures of the Pu‘uhonua and Royal Grounds areas of the park. Intermittent closures of areas of the park are anticipated to occur all day on both dates.