A permit is required for the following activities:
Filming & Photography PermitsStatement Effective October 28, 2022 and following a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia on October 21, 2022, the National Park Service (NPS) functionally reinstated previous laws and regulations related to commercial filming in national parks. The NPS has rescinded the interim guidance that was in place during litigation and has returned to longstanding laws and regulations governing commercial filming in parks. This means that all commercial filming that occurs within a unit of the National Park System requires a permit. "Commercial filming" means the film, electronic, magnetic, digital, or other recording of a moving image by a person, business, or other entity for a market audience with the intent of generating income. Individual parks may require a permit for non-commercial filming if a permit is necessary to manage the activity to protect park resources and values, minimize conflict between user groups, or to ensure public safety. More details about filming and permits in parks are available online: Filming & Still Photography Permits (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) Questions and Answers Under federal law, all commercial filming that occurs within a unit of the National Park System requires a permit. 423 units make up the National Park System, and includes National Parks, National Monuments, National Preserves, National Battlefield Parks, and more. A full list of parks in the National Park System is available online: National Park System (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)If you believe that your filming or photography activity may require a permit, you should submit a completed application to the park where you want to film or photograph as far in advance of your planned date as possible.
"Commercial filming" means the film, electronic, magnetic, digital, or other recording of a moving image by a person, business, or other entity for a market audience with the intent of generating income. Examples include, but are not limited to, feature film, videography, and documentaries. Commercial filming may include the advertisement of a product or service, or the use of actors, models, sets, or props.
In most cases, still photography does not require a permit. A permit is required for still photography only when:
Federal law requires a permit for all commercial filming, no matter the size of the crew or the type of equipment. This includes individuals or small groups that don’t use much equipment, but generate revenue by posting footage on websites, such as YouTube and TikTok. The primary focus of the NPS, however, is on commercial filming that has the potential to impact park resources and visitors beyond what occurs from normal visitor use of park areas. Examples of this type of filming are productions that use substantial equipment such as sets and lighting, productions with crews that exceed 5 people, and filming in closed areas, wilderness areas, or in locations that would create conflicts with other visitors or harm sensitive resources.All filmers, no matter the size, must comply with all rules that apply in park areas, just like other visitors.
Permit applications are available through each park's administrative office or website. Contact information for parks can be found on their websites; Find a park where you would like to film or take photographs. If you believe that your filming or photography activity may require a permit, you should submit a completed application to the park where you want to film or photograph as far in advance of your planned date as possible.Some parks may require that you provide advance notice a certain amount of days before filming or photography begins. In addition, you should request a meeting with park staff if your proposed activity is unusual or complex. Early consultation with park staff will help them process the submitted application in a timely manner.
Federal law requires the NPS to recover its administrative costs for commercial filming and still photography activities that require a permit. Cost recovery includes an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the NPS in processing your request and monitoring the permitted activities. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of the permitted activities. The application fee must be submitted with your application.In addition, Federal law also requires the NPS to collect a location fee that provides a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands for commercial filming and for still photography requires a permit. The NPS uses the following fee schedules for filming and photography:Commercial Filming
Special Use Permits
Phone Number:
808-329-6881 (x1400) Email Address: puho_permits@nps.gov Address: Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park Hwy 160 Hōnaunau, HI 96726 Commercial Use AuthorizationTo operate a business, profit or non-profit, in Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park requires a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA). All commercial tours that enter the park on a regular basis must have a CUA and are required to pay the commercial tour fee at the entrance station at each visit. The CUA is for commercial services that originate and terminate outside of the boundaries of the park. Activities such as advertising, soliciting, collecting fees or selling goods or services within the park boundaries are strictly prohibited. Park fees include: $200 for the CUA ($350 as January of 2024) and $10.00 per person upon all entry into the park (including walk-in and bicycle tours). To be considered for a CUA you must complete the Commercial Use Authorization Application (PDF 180 KB) in its entirety and submit the completed application with payment to the park. NEW! Video for first time applicants of a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA)E-mail: kahocua@nps.gov If you have any questions, please email us. We look forward to working with you and seeing you in the park. First Amendment Area
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Last updated: October 24, 2024