A poacher took two Haleakalā silversword plants from Haleakala National Park, but was tracked down by rangers thanks to a quick-thinking visitor/NPS file

A quick-thinking visitor with a camera at Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii was able to point law enforcement rangers to a woman who poached two rare Haleakalā silversword plants, or “ahinahina,” from the roof of the park.

At approximately 4:30 p.m. Monday, the park visitor saw the woman take the two juvenile silversword plants from the ground and place them in her clothing before leaving the area in a vehicle. The witness photographed the vehicle and immediately notified Haleakala National Park staff. Park rangers were able to locate the individual in Paia Town about an hour later with the plants. The rangers identified the poacher and driver of the vehicle and released both from the scene. At this time charges are pending against both individuals.

Park biologists will attempt to replant the recovered silverswords.

“We were lucky to have the assistance of a dedicated visitor,” said Haleakalā Chief Ranger Ari Wong. “These plants are already so rare, picking them is illegal for a very good reason. Our most important job here in the park is to protect species like this.” 

The Haleakalā silversword (Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp. macrocephalum) is federally listed as threatened and found only on the slopes of Haleakalā at altitudes above 6,900 feet. Visitors are encouraged to take pictures of these rare plants, but are reminded that removing or damaging them is a federal crime.