Special Use Permits

Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are rights protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, and in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulation. People may exercise these rights in national parks, but the National Park Service still retains its responsibility to protect park resources and prevent impacts to park visitors. A first amendment permit is not required for groups of 25 individuals, or less, conducting first amendment activities in the park’s designated first amendment areas. There is one first amendment area designated in the park. It is located at 272 Damien Road (somewhat adjacent to the Kalaupapa Store, in the grass area between the pier warehouse and the road and across the street from the store front.).

Groups of 25, or more, or groups desiring to reserve designated areas in advance, require a permit. Unless permitted, the designated areas are first-come, first-served. Types of activities not considered first amendment include, but are not limited to:

• Church picnic or social gathering,
• Wedding ceremonies or receptions,Political fund raiser or other invitation-only political activity or event,
• Solicitation of donations,
• Community parades, athletics, or sporting events, or
• Sale of message bearing clothing, arts and crafts, or similar merchandise.

To apply for a special use permit, download this application
NPS Form 10-930

Kalaupapa NHP Specific Considerations:

• Visitors who are registered tour participants in an NPS approved guided tour do not require a film or photography permit.  Tour guides are monitors who facilitate access to approved locations and are responsible for the participants. 
• Visitors who are not part of a tour and obtain a DOH permit for entry must submit a special use permit request if filming or photography is desired at sites outside of the NPS approved tour stops.  The NPS will evaluate each request and if approved, will assign a monitor to accompany the visitor.

• In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:

  • Occurs in areas open to the public; 

  • Uses hand-carried equipment only; 

  • Does not require exclusive use of a site;  

  • Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and 

  • Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the NPS. 

• Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.

• All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.

• When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.

• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.

• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required. 

To apply for a filming or still photography special use permit download this application
NPS Form 10-931

As outlined in the Superintendent’s Compendium, “Permits are required for the use of a vessel (as defined at 36 CFR § 1.4) within the boundary of the Park. Use of vessels are subject to the requirements in 36 CFR Part 3 and any other applicable federal laws (such as U.S. Coast Guard regulations) and state laws and regulations. Visitors are not permitted to enter the Park, including especially the marine areas of the Park, by vessel except under a special use permit issued by the Superintendent of the Park. (36 CFR §§ 1.6 and 3.3).” “The only legal entry points for visitors to the park are the airport or the Pali Trail. Visitors who wish to arrive by boat must obtain a separate special use permit issued by the Superintendent of the Park. (36 CFR §§ 1.5 and 1.6)

Approved Special Use Permits (SUP) for ocean access must have a nexus to Park or State Agency mission. Commuting to work can be considered, however the applicant must present satisfactory evidence that the use of this access location is reasonably necessary.

Application fees do not apply to ocean access/mooring requests.

To apply for a vehicle/watercraft special use permit download this application
NPS Form 10-933

General Special Use Permit: NPS Form 10-930
Filming and Still Photography Special Use Permit: NPS Form 10-931
Watercraft Special Use Permit: NPS Form 10-933

MAIL:
Complete printed applications and a check/money order made to “National Park Service” can be mailed to:

Kalaupapa NHP, Attn: Superintendent
290 Beretania Street Box 2222
Kalaupapa, HI 96742

ELECTRONICALLY:
Electronic applications can be emailed to: Kala_Administration@nps.gov