AstroDay West 2025 brought a wave of excitement to Kona Commons as crowds gathered around science booths, telescopes and live demonstrations. The University of Hawaiʻi (IfA) joined partners across the island to offer a day of engaging ways to explore the universe at the annual event hosted by .

The day-long celebration offered family-friendly learning, free giveaways and simple science experiments designed to spark curiosity. Organizers said the goal was to make astronomy feel approachable for everyone.

“We were excited to provide keiki and families with the opportunity to learn more about science and astronomy right here in Kona,” said Carolyn Kaichi, education and outreach specialist at IfA. “Through hands-on learning and key partnerships with organizations across the island, we hoped to inspire the next generation of local science and technology leaders.”

Sun, sky and science

Visitors lined up to use a special solar telescope to safely view details on the sun鈥檚 surface. Nearby booths showed how stars form, how weather shapes our islands and how scientists observe the sky from Hawaiʻi鈥檚 mountaintops. IfA staff and students answered questions, guided activities and shared stories about their work.

AstroDay has long been a staple for families interested in science with a mission to strengthen public understanding of astronomy and create more opportunities for learning.

The event also featured displays and expertise from a wide range of partners, such as Las Cumbres Observatory, W. M. Keck Observatory, Gemini Observatory, Subaru Telescope, Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope, TMT International Observatory, NASA Solar System Ambassadors and the 东精影业 Hilo .

The physical removal of the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory (CSO) on Maunakea is scheduled to begin by early May after extensive planning and permitting, according to an April 6 . CSO is following the (PDF) of the (PDF) for the observatory removal and site restoration.

“Over the winter, we finalized plans and prepared permitting applications to remove the telescope and transport it from the mountain,” said CSO Director Sunil Golwala in the release. “To transport the main mirror of the telescope to the harbor will require several road closures. We are alerting state and county agencies, the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo (CMS) and the community at each step.”

CSO is one of two Maunakea observatories expected to be fully decommissioned in 2023. The physical removal of the 东精影业 Hilo Hōkū Keʻa observatory is expected to begin in the fall.

“Decommissioning an observatory is a complicated process involving regulatory approvals ensuring environmental stewardship and public safety,” said 东精影业 Hilo CMS Executive Director Greg Chun. “The progress being made on the decommissioning of the first two observatories on Maunakea honors a longstanding commitment made by the university. We will complete this important work as we continue to work diligently on the transition to the Maunakea Stewardship and Oversight Authority.”

CSO is coordinating with the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation, Hawaiʻi County Police Department and County of Hawaiʻi Department of Public Works on road permitting requirements for transporting the telescope鈥檚 34-foot diameter primary reflector to Kawaihae Harbor on the Kona coast.

The entire removal process including a practice run is expected to take about six weeks and will involve publicly announced road closures. Much of the work and major road closures will take place between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. to minimize public impact. A map of the anticipated transport route can be found .

“Other telescope parts will be taken down from the summit as weather permits,” said Golwala. “As those parts are smaller, no road closures will be required.”

Once the telescope is removed, the buildings that housed the CSO telescope will be dismantled and the site restored. As required is the sublease for CMS, CSO is paying for the decommissioning, which is expected to exceed $4 million.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is seeking public input on whether it should move forward with a formal environmental review for the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) on Maunakea on Hawaiʻi Island.

The process begins with . An open comment period runs through September 17 and comments can be submitted in-person at the public meetings or online.

The University of Hawaiʻi has no formal role in the NSF process with the establishment of the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority authorized by the recent adoption of Act 255 (HB2024), however, 东精影业 community members are strongly encouraged to participate in the NSF process including its public hearings.

“Whether you support TMT or not, the NSF needs to hear from you,” said 东精影业 Hilo Center for Maunakea Stewardship Executive Director Greg Chun. “Robust, public participation is key to finding the best path forward for Maunakea and astronomy in Hawaiʻi.”

NSF has developed a Draft Community Engagement Plan to provide multiple opportunities for the public to participate in the environmental review process, which will include a 2–3 day interactive and NSF-facilitated workshop designed to develop a plan to define and practice responsible astronomy in Hawaiʻi. The public is invited to comment on draft study plans that outline the scope and methodology to be used in any studies that may be conducted as part of the environmental review.

On July 19, 2022, the NSF posted in the Federal Register, its Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and Initiate Section 106 Consultation for a Potential National Science Foundation Investment in the Construction and Operation of an Extremely Large Telescope Located in the Northern Hemisphere and Notice of Public Scoping Meetings and Comment Period. This notice officially starts (1) the public scoping process for NSF鈥檚 environmental impact statement required by the National Environmental Policy Act related to the proposed project鈥檚 impacts to resources, and (2) public consultation required under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act related to the proposed project鈥檚 impacts specifically on properties that are on or qualify for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. .

According to NSF, informal outreach efforts by NSF on Hawaiʻi Island began in August 2020 and formally concluded in November 2021. Meetings were held with approximately 150 people regarding perspectives on TMT and astronomy on Maunakea. NSF also received 140 written comments during this timeframe.

for more information on scheduled public meetings or to submit comments.

Following a review of project activities shared by (TIO) with the University of Hawaiʻi, 东精影业 notified the (DLNR) on April 28, 2021, that work/construction on the TMT project was initiated in 2019 based on project activities in June and July of that year. DLNR has confirmed that this requirement has been satisfied.

This notification to DLNR is required by the Conservation District Use Permit issued by the Board of Land and Natural Resources in September 2017. The project activities in June and July of 2019 included removal of unpermitted structures; onsite GPS verification of locations and coordinates; construction kick-off meeting with civil contractor and subcontractors to review procedures, safety protocols and other related items; locating and surveying onsite underground fiber optic and electrical lines; inspections of TIO construction equipment for invasive species; and the mobilization of 18 vehicles and equipment to the worksite.

The mobilization of vehicles and equipment in July 2019 was blocked for several months by opponents of the project. The work was unable to continue due to factors beyond the control of 东精影业 and the project. Future activity has not been announced by TIO.

The University of Hawaiʻi acknowledges the reduction of state law enforcement presence on Maunakea initiated by Governor David Ige today. These past months have been difficult for everyone, and we deeply hope this provides a period of reflection for all to continue to seek a positive, peaceful and non-violent path forward on Maunakea and for Hawaiʻi.

东精影业 continues to support the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) as part of a positive future for modern world-class astronomy on Maunakea, as we also embrace the decommissioning of multiple telescopes on the mauna and the commitments to stewardship, education and culture embedded in the permit conditions for the TMT and the resolutions of our Board of Regents.

东精影业 believes that Maunakea is a place of inspiration, awe and spirituality for many where modern astronomy can and should coexist synergistically with traditional knowledge and culture to advance all the people of Hawaiʻi and the world.

I fully recognize that some Hawaiians consider Maunakea to be so sacred that it should not be the home for TMT or any modern observatory. For them, this sacredness outweighs any benefits of modern astronomy to human knowledge, scientific inspiration and discovery, education, or high-quality jobs. Thousands of Hawaiians and others have raised voices in opposition, and I am sorry for the pain that 东精影业鈥檚 support of TMT and astronomy on Maunakea has caused.

At the same time, some Hawaiians and others have shared that they consider the study of astrophysics, the beginnings of the universe and the origins of mankind, to be the most spiritual of endeavors. Some consider the fact that Maunakea is the best site in the world for astronomical observation to be a gift to the people who were the best naked eye astronomers of their day—the Polynesians who first settled here after navigating to these most isolated of islands using their knowledge of the stars along with the ocean and winds, the clouds and the birds.

I am personally inspired by amazing collaborations over these past few years in which astronomers have been working together with cultural and language experts and educators: the connections being explored between modern astrophysics and the Kumulipo; the Maunakea Scholars Program through which Hawaiʻi high school students on every island are developing research proposals and answering their own questions using the best telescopes in the world; and Hawaiian-speaking students who have engaged with experts in ʻ艒lelo Hawaiʻi and astronomy to create new Hawaiian names for celestial bodies discovered in Hawaiʻi. These inspiring synergies show us the possibilities, and they are examples of collaborations that take place nowhere else on earth.

The university will also continue to strengthen our stewardship of Maunakea, which has become exemplary after the missteps of the first decades. The resolution adopted by the 东精影业 Board of Regents in November 2019 commits us to redouble our efforts to accelerate decommissioning, to streamline our internal management model, to explore new collaborative approaches to stewardship and management, and to advance education and culture on the mauna.

We must also acknowledge that TMT and even Maunakea are not the sole root causes of the deep turmoil that Hawaiʻi has faced over these last months, including the reawakening of many to the need for justice. The historic wrongs against Native Hawaiians have resulted in many problems that have been intractable thus far: Hawaiian health disparities, shorter life spans, increased houselessness, lower educational attainment, economic inequality, increased incarceration rates and more. There is also much work ahead to help ensure and advance the revitalization and normalization of ʻ艒lelo Hawaiʻi and to bring back to the fore the wisdom of those who lived so sustainably in our islands prior to western contact. And we have yet to resolve complex policy issues around Hawaiian Home Lands, ceded lands and our ability to make difficult decisions as a community about complex projects.

东精影业 must bring our consequential capacities to bear in collaboration with like-minded allies, whether opponents or supporters of TMT and astronomy, to address these many challenges and opportunities for Native Hawaiians and Hawaiʻi. At the same time, we have substantial work ahead on our campuses to advance healthy climates that ensure equity and respect among our incredibly diverse communities of students, faculty and staff of different backgrounds. practices and beliefs. We can and must be welcoming to all.

As we enter this holiday season and the beginning of a new decade, we celebrate, congratulate and honor our recent graduates. I hope we can all reflect on our opportunities as part of the University of Hawaiʻi, the institution that more than any other can lead the way to a better future for our islands and all who call Hawaiʻi home.

David Lassner, President
University of Hawaiʻi

“The task of ethics within the context of civil disobedience is to open up the realm of thinking about one鈥檚 values and viewpoints,” said Associate Professor of Philosophy Celia Bardwell-Jones.

东精影业 Hilo philosophy and business faculty held a public symposium in September titled, “Do We Have an Obligation to Obey the Law?: Civil Disobedience in a Global Context.”

Brief talks were presented by philosophy professors Bardwell-Jones, Chris Lauer and Tim Freeman, as well as Benjamin Zenk, instructor of business management and ethics. The catalyst for the discussion was the ongoing protests of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) on Maunakea. Speakers addressed the history and ethical dimensions of civil disobedience and other nonviolent practices.

“The ethical question we are going to attempt to answer today is, ‘Do we have a moral obligation to obey the law?’” said Bardwell-Jones. “If we don鈥檛 get an answer, we hope that we leave you with more questions that we hope that you can then reflect on later. The task of ethics within the context of civil disobedience is to open up the realm of thinking about one鈥檚 values and viewpoints. Civil disobedience encourages us to reflect on standards of justice that we may take for granted. Just because it is the law, is it moral?”

She added, “I would like to first acknowledge and recognize the efforts of civil disobedience that are occurring on the mauna currently. We believe that this is the perfect practice and expression of civil disobedience that is happening right now so close to home. As a department we have little epistemic authority or credibility to speak about the ethics of civil disobedience compared to the rich knowledge that is happening on the mauna. We would like to recognize that knowledge production.”

History of civil disobedience

Freeman, who has visited the mauna several times during the protest, spoke on the history of civil disobedience and on the Hawaiian concept of kapu aloha, a code of conduct demanding restraint, empathy and respect. He contrasted his experiences at the tumultuous 1999 World Trade Organization protests in Seattle with his time at Maunakea. “I am impressed by what is going on up at the mauna,” he said. “Whatever you think of the issue, I think we all have to say their commitment to kapu aloha and nonviolence training sessions are impressive.”

Freeman explained that the point of nonviolent civil disobedience is to draw the public鈥檚 attention to an issue. He cited Henry David Thoreau鈥檚 1848 essay on civil disobedience, which argues that an individual has the duty to disobey unjust laws. Martin Luther King Jr., in his letter from a Birmingham jail, argued that civil disobedience should be nonviolent, and those who engage in it should be willing to pay the penalty of disobeying the law and going to jail. Doing this shows respect for the law without agreeing with the law.

“The whole point of civil disobedience is not to overthrow the state but to raise awareness about the issue to the public so the issue can be addressed,” said Freeman. “What has been going on up at the mauna has made people really think more deeply and reexamine the issue, which I think is broader or bigger than just science versus religion. It is about our whole way of being now that we are facing the crisis of our time with climate change and our relationship to the earth.”

Jimmy Naniʻole, one of the 38 k奴puna who were arrested for blocking the road at the initial protests, spoke during the question and answer period and thanked the speakers for participating. “I want to thank all of you for sharing the philosophical basis for why the mauna is so important not only to Hawaiʻi it is important to every Indigenous and native people of the world,“ says Naniʻole. “I don鈥檛 think there is a person in this room who doesn鈥檛 have an indigenous or native connection. Whether you are from Ireland or Africa. We are all one and the same.”

The symposium was co-sponsored by the Mokaulele Program, the chancellor鈥檚 offices and at , the Hawaiʻi Island Philosophy Club, the and the .

—By Leah Sherwood, a 东精影业 Hilo tropical conservation biology and environmental science graduate student

The start of the fall semester not only marked the first day of classes, but for a group of students, it marked day one of a sit-in protest at Bachman Hall on the campus. This is the latest in a long line of sit-in protests at Bachman that date back to the late 1960s.

The students say they are affirming their commitment to protect Maunakea and their opposition to the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) on the summit of Maunakea.

They have been hosting ʻAha (ceremony) three times a day at Ke Ahu o Wise, the altar on the lawn fronting Bachman Hall that was first raised in 2015 in response to the TMT conflict. Bamboo structures honoring the 38 kupuna arrested while blocking the access road to Maunakea on July 17, 2019, have been placed around the altar.

“We as students can make a difference,” said Beau Shishido, a 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi graduate student and one of the sit-in organizers. “It鈥檚 about holding administration, the university accountable. Research conducted by the University of Hawaiʻi should not be at the expense of Hawaiian religion, culture, or people.”

Students have been holding the university accountable by occupying Bachman Hall for 50 years with sit-ins in 1968, 1995, 2005 and 2006.

It all began in 1968

In 1968, there was a 10-day student and faculty sit-in protesting the Vietnam War and the denial of tenure for a political science professor who had served as advisor of an anti-war student group.

It lasted for days while hundreds of students and faculty camped out inside the building as well as on the front lawn. During the protest, students even renamed the Bachman “Liberation Hall.” Even though several students were arrested, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 Emeritus Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Diversity Amy Agbayani remembers the teach-in, as she also refers to it, as peaceful and non-violent.

“The sit-in at Bachman was an educational movement for students and the community who weren鈥檛 aware of the issues and facts surrounding the anti-war movement and academic freedom at the time,” said Agbayani, then a political science graduate student. “It was well-organized, and we had good face-to-face communication with then administrator Robert Potter, who would come down and talk with us one-on-one.”

Bachman sit-in history

In 1995, faculty staged a teach-in and march on the front lawn of Bachman Hall challenging a $9 million state appropriation cut proposed by then Governor Ben Cayetano that would endanger 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 programs.

The 2005 sit-in lasted seven days when hundreds of students, faculty and supporters occupied the president鈥檚 office on the second floor of Bachman Hall protesting the proposed University Affiliated Research Center that would receive $50 million funding from the United States Navy. Protestors worried the university would engage in classified military research and lead to an increased military presence in Hawaiʻi.

The March and April 2006 protest at Bachman Hall was in opposition to 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources patenting three varieties of hybridized Hawaiian taro. Protestors cited the cultural significance of taro and said that 东精影业 did not own the rights to it nor should it profit from it.

There have been other demonstrations that have taken place at Bachman Hall over the years as well, according to long-time campus community members.

“A good tradition”

Agbayani says sit-ins at Bachman are a good tradition that creates an educational opportunity for both sides to talk, as well as draw community support. She added, “The point of a demonstration is to start the conversation, start talking, even though both sides may not always agree.”

东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 student Tiele-Lauren Doudt, one of the organizers of the TMT sit-in protest, believes the current sit-in is the longest in Bachman驶s history. It驶s a tradition she plans to support after she graduates.

“Who knows, perhaps one day when we become k奴puna, there will be a new generation of students rising to address 东精影业 and state agendas,” said Doudt. “If or when that ever happens, we will join them here at Bachman, to let them know that they are not alone in the struggle for justice.”

The University of Hawaiʻi (BOR) is expected to consider a motion to “Appoint a Permitted Interaction Group to Investigate Issues and Make Recommendations Related to Maunakea Governance.” The item is on the BOR鈥檚 August 2 agenda. [Editor’s note, 8/2/2019: The board approved the appointment of the Permitted Interaction Group.] The meeting will be held at 9 a.m. in the 东精影业 Mānoa Information Technology Building, first floor conference room 105A/B. Other items under consideration, following the election of the new board leadership last month, are new committee structures and related proposed amendments to policies and bylaws.

The full board is being asked to consider the appointment of the permitted interaction group, which would be tasked to investigate issues related to the university鈥檚 stewardship and governance activities on Maunakea. The group would then make findings and recommendations regarding the development of a statement expressing principles supported by the BOR as pertains to Maunakea, in addition to those articulated in the Resolution Affirming Commitment to the Collaborative Stewardship of Maunakea鈥檚 Cultural, Natural, Educational and Scientific Resources, adopted by the BOR on August 24, 2017.

The Sunshine Law governing open public meetings allows a board to appoint a group consisting of less than a quorum of its members to investigate matters for the board. The appointment of the group and designation of its assigned task must be done at a public board meeting. This will occur at the August 2 BORmeeting. After the group undertakes its assigned task, its findings and recommendations must be presented to the board at a public meeting, and the board cannot act on any recommendations until a subsequent public meeting. Thus, the process to create a permitted interaction group, receive its report on its work, and take action of any recommendations will occur in three separate public meetings, with the opportunity for public review and input.

All written testimony on agenda items received up to 24 hours in advance of the meeting will be distributed to the board. Late testimony on agenda items will be distributed to the board within 24 hours of receipt. Written testimony may be submitted via U.S. mail, email at bor.testimony@hawaii.edu or facsimile at (808) 956-5156. Individuals submitting written testimony are not automatically signed up for oral testimony. Registration for oral testimony on agenda items will be provided at the meeting location 15 minutes prior to the meeting and closed once the meeting begins. Oral testimony is limited to three (3) minutes. All written testimony submitted are public documents. Therefore, any testimony that is submitted verbally or in writing, electronically or in person, for use in the public meeting process is public information.

Aloha, and apologies for the length of this message.

On Sunday I was fortunate to visit Maunakea at the invitation of some of our 东精影业 Hawaiian leaders. I wanted to witness what is happening there for myself. I was grateful to exchange warm greetings and aloha with the kupuna there that day, most of whom have been colleagues for many years. Throughout my short visit, I was privileged to experience the gracious spirit of those I encountered. I also witnessed tremendous resolve.

I know that many of you have been seeking a response to the messages you have sent me both individually and collectively. Thank you, and please know that I have read every one. These messages share some common themes:

• There is vehement opposition to the building of TMT on Maunakea by hundreds of 东精影业 community members and many more in the wider community for a variety of reasons.
• There is also substantial support to proceed with construction.
• There was serious concern about the Emergency Proclamation made by Governor Ige as it relates to the health and safety of 东精影业 students, employees and other community members on Maunakea.
• Astronomers and observatory staff are extremely concerned about their lack of access to the current observatories and the future of astronomy on Maunakea.

I believe a number of recent events are moving us in a peaceful direction that is positive for all the people of Hawaiʻi.

• Yesterday Mayor Kim shared comments about his meeting late last week with Native Hawaiian leaders from across the community. They have agreed to continue to work together to try and find a peaceful resolution.
• All parties on the mauna have agreed to the installation of a traffic light at the intersection of the highway and Mauna Kea Access Road. This is a positive step forward for the safety of all on the mauna and for all on Hawaiʻi Island who use the highway.
• Progress has been made toward improving access to the mauna by both cultural practitioners and workers other than astronomers. It is our hope that routine shared access can be restored soon for all.
• Today the State approved a request 东精影业 submitted on behalf of TMT to extend the construction start deadline. I believe that the pressure of a deadline, which was largely arbitrary due to extenuating circumstances such as completion of legal processes, has not been helpful in trying to resolve this extraordinarily complex situation. Although the removal of this deadline gives us more time to work together toward peaceful resolution, I acknowledge that some members of our community will be upset.
• Since there are no imminent plans to move the TMT construction equipment up the mauna, Governor Ige has now lifted the Emergency Proclamation. This follows the departure from Maunakea of police officers from Honolulu and Maui.

I still believe in the educational, inspirational and scientific benefits that TMT and modern world-class astronomy can bring to the people of Hawaiʻi. I realize that TMT now represents a huge source of friction in our work to become a model indigenous-serving university and Hawaiian Place of Learning. We will need many conversations over the months ahead to work on that together. My heart and mind are open as I continue to listen and share.

Let me close with my biggest concern: we need to keep the fabric of our university from being torn apart. In a time of differing opinions, points of view, historical understandings, and lived experiences, we can learn from each other and ultimately strengthen our community. I am committed to accomplishing this with you.

Aloha,
David Lassner
President

Construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea begins today:
(Read more about the beginning of construction.)

Members of our campus communities and the general public have had different reactions and responses to this announcement. At all the University of Hawaiʻi campuses, we are steadfast in our mission of challenging students to reach their highest level of achievement by inspiring learning, discovery and creativity inside and outside the classroom. This means we must all embrace opportunities to have empathetic discussions about our disparate opinions, including those that oppose decisions made by the university and state.

We stand committed to the free and open exchange of ideas and affirm the rights of members of our community to engage in free speech and expression guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the Constitution of the State of Hawaiʻi. 东精影业 has a clear and impressive history of diverse ideas, opinions and world views being expressed in different ways by members of our on-campus and extended community. We recognize that the issue of Maunakea and the construction of the TMT has and will continue to draw many into an open exchange of ideas and we encourage such dialogue in ways that are safe and respectful of different perspectives.

The safety of our faculty, staff and students is paramount. This includes emotional, intellectual and physical safety. 东精影业 provides support services for these situations, and those who experience emotional trauma or stress regarding this issue or any other issue should reach out to campus support services. Those who experience intimidation or harassment should contact on campus security and/or administration.

We commend those who have engaged in peaceful and non-disruptive protection of the things they hold dear and demonstration against things they oppose. In particular, we have been inspired by the Kapu Aloha that has been called for on the mauna. In anticipation of further peaceful demonstrations, 东精影业 has developed guidelines for faculty and staff, including student employees, with information in the event they encounter forms of expression that may alarm them or prevent them from accessing or leaving their place of employment.

As our state’s only public higher education system, 东精影业 has a deep responsibility to provide high-quality affordable education to advance our people, our communities and our islands. That mission requires that we support and celebrate peaceful dialogue, diverse perspectives and critical analysis, as we continue our work in teaching, learning, scholarship and service. Mahalo for all you do to contribute to this vibrant campus!

Aloha,
东精影业 Leadership

Gov. David Ige and the Thirty Meter Telescope International Observatory announced on July 10 that construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) will begin next week. The Department of Transportation announced lane and road closures associated with large equipment movement that could begin July 15.

TMT will be constructed on Hawaiʻi-managed lands on Maunakea located in the conservation district regulated by the Board of Land and Natural Resources. On June 19, 2019, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) issued a notice to proceed to 东精影业 Hilo for the TMT project. The permit was issued after DLNR confirmed the completion of the pre-construction conditions and mitigation measures required of the project in the Conservation District Use Permit.

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The University of Hawaiʻi invites the public to provide feedback on the latest draft of the proposed administrative rules to govern public and commercial activities on 东精影业 -managed lands on Maunakea [Chapter 20-26, Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules]. The administrative rules are an essential resource management tool for public and commercial activities on 东精影业-managed lands on Maunakea.

To learn more about how to obtain a copy of the rules and how to submit comments, . The notice provides several methods to allow interested persons the opportunity to submit data, views or arguments, orally or in writing, on the current draft by mail, online or at four public hearings on three islands:

• Monday, June 3, 2019, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 惭腻苍辞补 Elementary School, 3155 惭腻苍辞补 Road, Honolulu, HI 96822
• Tuesday, June 4, 2019, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Wai膩kea Elementary School, 180 W. Puainako Street, Hilo, HI 96720
• Wednesday, June 5, 2019, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Waikoloa Elementary and Middle School, 68-1730 Hoʻoko Street, Waikoloa, HI 96738
• Friday, June 7, 2019, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Pōmaikaʻi Elementary School, 4650 S. Kamehameha Avenue, Kahului, HI 93732

During this second formal hearing process, submissions will be received from Sunday, April 28, 2019, through Friday, June 7, 2019 (the last noticed public hearing). All oral and timely submitted written submissions related to the draft rules will be considered.

• The current draft of the rules can be found on the (select “proposed”)

This second round of public hearings is the latest step in the development of the rules. Following initial public outreach and consultations, the first round of four public hearings was held in September 2018 on Hawaiʻi Island, Maui and Oʻahu. A revised draft was prepared based on the comments and concerns received during those public hearings. That revised draft was then shared with stakeholder groups and the public during a three-month, informal outreach process that started in January 2019. The current draft of the rules includes revisions based on comments received during this informal outreach process. On April 18, 2019, the 东精影业 Board of Regents approved having a second round of public hearings on this version.

The university has received hundreds of written and oral comments and suggestions during the formal and informal processes to date, and this input significantly shaped the latest draft. The public is strongly encouraged to continue to participate in the process.

Based on this round of formal public hearings, the rules may be further refined and brought back before the 东精影业 regents in a publicly noticed meeting currently anticipated for July 18, 2019. At that time, the 东精影业 regents would have a range of possible actions including: approve the rules provided there are no substantial changes; request a third round of formal public hearings on new draft rules that are substantially changed from the current draft; or defer decision-making. Further public testimony will be accepted at that meeting. If approved by the regents, the rules will proceed through the remainder of the administrative rules process to the governor for final review and approval.

Editor’s note: The Board of Regents approved the second round of public hearings at their April 18, 2019 meeting.

The University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents is being requested to approve a second round of public hearings on a new draft of proposed administrative rules for Maunakea on Hawaiʻi Island. The administrative rules are an essential resource management tool for public and commercial activities on 东精影业-managed lands on Maunakea. The regents will take up the request at their April 18 meeting at Leeward Community College.

The initial draft of the rules was the subject of the first round of public hearings in September 2018 on Hawaiʻi Island, Maui and Oʻahu. Based on concerns expressed about the initial draft at those public hearings, a revised draft was prepared. Among the issues addressed in the revised draft were concerns regarding Native Hawaiian traditional and customary rights, limits on the use of cell phones and flashlights, permit requirements for large groups and public assemblies, and allowing only four-wheel drive vehicles above Halep艒haku, the mid-level facility.

That revised draft was utilized during three-month informal consultation process that included meetings with stakeholder groups and an opportunity for the public to submit comments. In addition to direct outreach, approximately 108 written comments were received, in addition to approximately 140 responses from a third-party, online petition. These comments from the informal consultation were utilized to prepare the new draft.

The university is now proposing to hold a second series of four public hearings on the new draft administrative rules. These hearings would also be in Hilo and Waikoloa on Hawaiʻi Island; in Kahului on Maui and in Honolulu. The public is strongly encouraged to continue to participate in the process, as all testimony will be taken into consideration as the rules are finalized.

• Memo: Approval to hold second hearings on Maunakea administrative rules (PDF) If you require this report in an alternate format, email news@hawaii.edu

The purpose of the proposed rules (under Section 20-26-1) is to “provide for the proper use, management, and protection of cultural, natural, and scientific resources of the 东精影业 management areas; to promote public safety and welfare by regulating public and commercial activity within the 东精影业 management areas; to ensure safe and appropriate access to the 东精影业 management areas for the public; and to foster co-management with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Land and Natural Resources and 东精影业.”

If the request is approved, public hearings are expected to be planned for early June. The rules will then be updated if necessary and be brought back before the 东精影业 Board of Regents for consideration at a publicly noticed meeting where further public testimony will be accepted. If approved by the Board of Regents at that time, the rules will proceed through the remainder of the Administrative Rules process to the governor for final review and approval.

More than 200 students, faculty and staff from various Oʻahu-based University of Hawaiʻi campuses, and their supporters, affirmed their commitment to protect Maunakea and their opposition to the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) on the summit of Maunakea, at a December 5 news conference on the 东精影业 Mānoa campus. The group called upon 东精影业 President David Lassner, the 东精影业 Board of Regents and the TMT corporation to terminate any and all agreements for the construction of TMT.

“As the university community, we should oppose research that severely compromises the work already done to build an ethical relationship between the academy and our community in Hawaiʻi, and that undermines the 东精影业 goal to become a model Indigenous-serving institution,” said 东精影业 Mānoa Political Science Department Chair Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua in a news release announcing the press conference.

“The policy and practice of 东精影业 must begin to prioritize the protection of the Mauna’s natural and cultural resources, respect the protectors and Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, and begin to heal the degradation that has already occurred,” added 东精影业 Mānoa Hawaiian Studies Department Chair Konia Freitas.

In response, 东精影业 spokesman Dan Meisenzahl said university leadership is listening.

“We may disagree about TMT but we do not disagree about the importance of better stewardship,” said Meisenzahl.

• More on 东精影业 stewardship of Maunakea

The group is also urging 东精影业 leadership to reject the current proposed Maunakea Administrative Rules, claiming they would restrict Native Hawaiian spiritual and customary practices and criminalize those seeking to protect and sustain the mountain. The draft of the administrative rules is currently being amended based on feedback received during four public hearings held earlier this year. A second round of public hearings is expected to be held in early 2019 to solicit further feedback.

“We strongly encourage everyone to continue to participate in this process,” said Meisenzahl. “It is important to note that the proposed rules do not provide for criminal sanctions and do not prohibit Hawaiian customary practices. They are meant to protect cultural and natural resources from certain public activities, and to help ensure public health and safety.”

President made his report to the at their meeting on November 15, 2018.

Highlights include:

• 东精影业 part of national push to improve college access, equity and outcomes ()
• Award to promote Hawaiʻi Promise, finishing degrees and recruit returning adults ()
• Important breast cancer clinical trials ()
• TMT decision and continued commitment to stewardship of Maunakea ()
• New contracts and signing authority policy ()
• A new beginning with the 东精影业 Foundation ()
• New 东精影业 Foundation CEO ()
• Approach to real estate and public-private partnerships ()
• Title III evaluation and successes ()
• Hawaiian language Moana DVD release ()

View previous reports to the board.

Gov. David Ige and leaders of the University of Hawaiʻi, the Department of the Attorney General and the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DNLR) thanked the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court for its thorough review of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea, and the decision that was handed down today.

“The high court reviewed thousands of pages of documents and testimony over many years, so it鈥檚 difficult to imagine the monumental task the justices had in reaching this decision,” said Gov. Ige. “We鈥檙e pleased the court carefully considered and weighed all the varied and passionate testimony about TMT. We believe this decision is fair and right and will continue to keep Hawaiʻi at the forefront of astronomy.”

“The University of Hawaiʻi is pleased with the state Supreme Court鈥檚 decision to approve the conservation district use permit for the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project,” said 东精影业 President David Lassner. “We will ensure that this project is accomplished appropriately and with deepest respect for the awesomeness of Maunakea. TMT will not only represent a major advance in humankind鈥檚 knowledge of the universe, it will have tremendously positive educational and economic impacts for the people of Hawaiʻi Island and the entire state. 东精影业 stands fully committed to collaborative stewardship that demonstrates Maunakea as an inspiring and harmonious global model for culture, education, the environment and groundbreaking scientific discovery.”

“We are gratified that the Supreme Court affirmed the Board of Land and Natural Resources鈥� decision on the Thirty Meter Telescope conservation district use permit,” said DNLR Chair Suzanne Case. “This has been a very long process, and I want to thank Judge Amano and the Land Board members for their careful diligence in ensuring all voices were heard and considered, the law was applied correctly, and the process was followed fairly. DNLR, as the landowners and conservation district regulators on Maunakea, will continue to work closely with 东精影业 on next steps to move this project forward.”

“The TMT case has wound its way through a drawn out legal process for many years and it鈥檚 good to see it come to a successful resolution. The state has a responsibility to follow and apply the appropriate laws and the justices clearly agreed that this is precisely what happened in this case,” said Attorney General Russell Suzuki.

TMT must now submit construction plans to the DNLR Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands for review and approval. The decision also requires the state to follow the Maunakea Comprehensive Management Plan which includes attention to cultural protocols and training.

—From a governor鈥檚 office news release

Editor’s note: The University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents unanimously approved the request to revise certain provisions in the current draft of the proposed administrative rules that will govern public and commercial activities on 东精影业-managed lands on Maunakea at the board驶s October 18 monthly meeting. The revised rules will then be subject to additional consultation followed by a request to the board conduct a second round of public hearings on the revised proposed rules.

The University of Hawaiʻi administration is asking the 东精影业 Board of Regents to approve a request to revise certain provisions in the current draft of the proposed administrative rules that will govern public and commercial activities on 东精影业-managed lands on Maunakea preparatory to additional consultation and a request to conduct a second round of public hearings on the revised proposed rules. The regents will consider this request at their October 18 monthly meeting on the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 campus.

The revisions are being made in response to testimony received at four public hearings held on Hawaiʻi Island, Maui and Oʻahu in September, where 92 people testified. The university also received a total of 406 written submissions during the public hearing process.

If this request is approved, the university administration will revise the proposed rules based on the testimony provided and then consult on the updated draft with the Maunakea Management Board (MKMB), Kahu K奴 Maunathe Native Hawaiian advisory board for MKMB, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Following that consultation, the revised version of the rules would be brought back to the Board of Regents with a request to engage in a second round of public hearings.

The second round of public hearings will present the revised version of the rules to the public for written and oral testimony. If the Board of Regents approves the rules after the second round of public hearings, the rules will proceed through the administrative rule making process to the governor for final action.

“Close to 500 people and organizations provided testimony and important feedback on the proposed rules during the public hearing process, and we intend to make changes based on those comments once we receive approval from the board,” said 东精影业 Hilo Chancellor Marcia Sakai. “This is the process that we are committed to, and it is not yet over. We hope that the public continues to participate so the result is a set of rules that will provide us with the best possible framework to manage public and commercial activities on Maunakea.”

Students and researchers in the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo are celebrating the installation of 12 new high-end desktops and monitors, along with a new data processing and storage Linux computer system, thanks to a donation by the .

The TMT donation totals more than $28,000 in equipment, supporting the replacement of 10 aged computers purchased in 2010 that no longer met department needs.

“Previous small hard drives and slow processors made for slow going,” said , an educational specialist in the department within the Natural Sciences Division. “And with the age of the computers at eight years, we worried that they might start to fail.”

Coney emailed Sandra Dawson, TMT鈥檚 community outreach coordinator, explaining that the 东精影业 Hilo physics and astronomy computer lab was out of date.

“We value this department and we understand the need for a good computer lab,” said Dawson. “I told John to tell us how much it would be to make it a functional lab. He gave us an estimate and my manager quickly approved.”

The new computers and the dual Xeon 12tb data processing server are the only dedicated Linux lab on campus. It is an operating system used by astronomy and physics scientists; the majority of the world uses Linux as a server operating system platform.

“The updated lab will aid in promoting cutting edge physics and astronomy at 东精影业 Hilo, both for physics and astronomy programming and computational projects,” said Coney.

.

—By Susan Enright

The University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents (BOR) today approved the appointments of six members of the community-based Maunakea Management Board (MKMB)—Roberta Chu, Julie Leialoha, Kep膩 Maly, Alapaki Nahale-a, Doug Simons and Barry Taniguchi.

The Mauna Kea Science Reserve Master Plan, approved by the BOR in June 2000, established MKMB, which is comprised of seven voting members representing the Hawaiʻi Island community. The 东精影业 Hilo chancellor submits his/her recommendations for MKMB membership to the BOR for its consideration and approval. The two BOR members from Hawaiʻi Island also serve on the MKMB in a non-voting, ex-officio capacity. MKMB驶s current chair is Greg Chun.

New MKMB member biographies

Roberta Chu is a fifth-generation Hilo resident, graduate of Hilo High School and Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts. She currently serves as senior vice president and manager of Bank of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 Hawaiʻi Island Commercial Banking Center.

Julie Leialoha has an extensive career in natural resource management that began with an internship while attending high school at Kamehameha Schools in the mid-1970s. She currently serves as a program/project coordinator for the Hawaiʻi Cooperative Studies Unit. She has served on multiple boards, including the Conservation Council for Hawaiʻi, Papah膩naumoku膩kea Research Advisory Council, and Western Pacific Fisheries Management Council Native Hawaiian advisory group.

Kep膩 Maly is a Hilo resident who is principal of Kumu Pono Associates, LLC. He is a highly sought after and respected expert on historical and ethnographic studies who has served on many cultural heritage and natural resource management boards across the state.

Alapaki Nahale-a was born and raised in Hilo and is currently a senior director of regional strategies for Kamehameha Schools on Hawaiʻi Island. Prior to joining Kamehameha Schools, Nahale-a spent more than 20 years serving the community in a variety of roles including as the director and chairman of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Trust.

Doug Simons has been the executive director of the Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope on Maunakea since 2012. He is an astronomy veteran in Hawaiʻi, having spent most of his professional career either observing with or working for various Maunakea observatories.

Barry Taniguchi has been the president of KTA Super Stores since 1989 and has been its chairman and chief executive officer since 2014. Taniguchi serves as chair of Community First, and is on the Hawaiʻi Island Economic Development Board, and the boards of the Public Schools of Hawaiʻi Foundation, Lyman House Memorial Museum, Pacific Tsunami Museum, and Valley Isle Produce, among others.

The University of Hawaiʻi issued the following statement on the Hawaiʻi State Supreme Court鈥檚 decision to uphold the聽state聽Board of Land and聽Natural Resources’ sublease between 东精影业聽and the Thirty Meter Telescope International Observatory.

“The University of Hawaiʻi is pleased with the State Supreme Court鈥檚 unanimous decision in the Kalani Flores vs. Board of Land and Natural Resources matter announced today. It is a significant step forward in what has been a very long and important process, and we eagerly await the court鈥檚 decision on the conservation district use permit for the Thirty Meter Telescope. Regardless of what happens, 东精影业 stands fully committed to collaborative stewardship that demonstrates Maunakea as an inspiring and harmonious global model for culture, the environment and groundbreaking scientific discovery coming together synergistically for the benefit of all.”

The University of Hawaiʻi leadership issued the following statement on the June 21, 2018 Hawaiʻi Supreme Court hearing on TMT—

The University of Hawaiʻi appreciates the opportunity we had today to present our position supporting the Board of Land and Natural Resources鈥� second approval of a permit to construct the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT). We now look forward to expeditious rulings on both of the TMT cases that remain before the State Supreme Court. 东精影业 stands fully committed to collaborative stewardship that demonstrates Maunakea as an inspiring and harmonious global model for culture, the environment and groundbreaking scientific discovery.

has awarded college scholarships totaling $1,050,000 to 116 Hawaiʻi Island students over the past 4 years and an additional $2 plus million to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) pursuits.

The (TMT) initiated the THINK Fund prior to the start of construction with a commitment of $1 million per year for Hawaiʻi Island STEM endeavors. The (HCF) and the administer the THINK Fund with scholarship, classroom, student and STEM programming initiatives. The THINK Fund at Pauahi Foundation focuses its scholarship programs on Native Hawaiian recipients.

The THINK Fund also supports STEM Learning Grants to programs that demonstrate success in recruiting and addressing the needs of groups underrepresented in STEM fields, including students in rural communities, Native Hawaiians and those disengaged in school. The THINK Fund also supports classroom grants through . Thirty nine of the 55 public and public charter schools on Hawaiʻi Island have received grants, with high need students receiving 78 percent of the funding.

Said Lydia K. Clements, Hawaiʻi Community Foundation vice president of foundation and corporate partnerships, “With growing opportunities for our local students with STEM skills to move into meaningful careers, the significant commitment by TMT over the past 4 years is timely. TMT鈥檚 leadership and Hawaiʻi Island volunteers have been extraordinary community partners in providing scholarships, classroom supplies and hands-on learning for over 17,000 Hawaiʻi Island students and 900 of their teachers.”

To date, TMT has funded $4 million to the THINK Fund benefiting Hawaiʻi Island students and teachers with $900,000 in an endowment to fund STEM education on Hawaiʻi Island far into the future.

“Scholarship support allowed me to focus on studying and commit more time to academics—especially in grad school,” said Steven Nozaki, a Wai膩kea High School graduate and THINK Fund scholarship recipient in 2015 and 2016. “I had opportunities to pursue supplementary activities related to my studies, such as workshops, national conferences and travel. I can honestly say that the generosity and philanthropic support that I received really helped me to accomplish my educational goals.”

Nozaki鈥檚 long-term goal is to return to Hawaiʻi. “Because of the support from organizations like HCF and TMT‘s THINK Fund, I have been able to achieve many of my goals, and am in a better place to one day be able to help others in Hawaiʻi.”

Read the full story at the .

An update on the University of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 ongoing efforts to improve its stewardship of Maunakea was presented to the 东精影业 Board of Regents on June 7, 2018. The update included steps on how the university was honoring the board鈥檚 2017 resolution affirming collaborative stewardship of the mauna (mountain).

“It needs to be clear to the public and the community that we are listening to what we hear and that our actions moving forward show how we are making your resolution and our verbal commitments in the past, real,” said 东精影业 President David Lassner, who also stated that 东精影业 must move beyond its strengths in astronomy and continue to improve protection of Maunakea鈥檚 environment and cultural resources.

“(We need a) a stronger emphasis on cultural practice, history and education as co-equals with the work we have been doing so far. Balanced stewardship is absolutely essential.”

The topics updated

Administrative rules for the public and commercial activities

The university is proceeding with the administrative rules process for public and commercial activities on Maunakea.

“Rules provide the opportunity for us to implement regulations and rates for commercial tour operators,” said Lassner. “This is also the means for us to control excessive traffic on the mountain, which we are often criticized for not doing. The rules themselves are the single most significant, outstanding action remaining from the 2014 audit, which otherwise was fairly complimentary of our stewardship.”

At the meeting, the regents approved a request to Governor David Ige to allow 东精影业 to hold public hearings on the administrative rules.

Maunakea senior advisor appointed

Maunakea Management Board Chair and 东精影业 faculty member Greg Chun was appointed senior advisor on Maunakea in February 2018 and has assumed a major role in advising 东精影业 leadership.

Environmental Impact Statement process begins for new land authorization

The public comments were gathered at three open houses in March and a draft of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is currently in development. The EIS will be used for the proposed new land authorization to replace the two existing leases and easement for 东精影业 managed lands on Maunakea.

Cultural resources management actions adopted

The actions to protect Native Hawaiian cultural resources were developed by Kahu K奴 Mauna and approved by the Maunakea Management Board in May 2018. This was identified as an outstanding item in the state auditor鈥檚 (PDF).

Request for nominees for Maunakea Management Board members

In the spirit of collaborative stewardship, President Lassner and 东精影业 Hilo Interim Chancellor Marcia Sakai sent requests for suggested nominees to serve on the Maunakea Management Board to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Conservation Council for Hawaiʻi, Department of Hawaiian Homelands, Department of Land and Natural Resources, the three Hawaiʻi Island chambers of commerce, Hawaiʻi County Mayor Harry Kim and the Hawaiʻi Island state lawmakers.

Telescope decommissioning update

An announcement on a new site for the Hokukea teaching telescope is expected by the end of the year, and the latest on the CalTech Submillimeter decommissioning process.

New model for telescope lease payments

Discussions have begun with the Maunakea observatories regarding increasing sub lease payments to support stewardship and additional community benefits. All current leases, except for TMT‘s, were entered into last century in good faith, and remain binding in effect. The university does not intend to renege on those legal agreements. The observatories know that the lease negotiated for TMT, which provides for up to a million dollars a year in lease rent and a comparable community benefits package, is the model for future leases.

Commitment to enhancing education and culture on the mountain

东精影业 is committed to strengthening visitor education on the mauna and planning has begun for a new culture and education center at the mid-level facilities where the Maunakea Visitor Information Station is currently located.

“This is an inspiring but daunting task before us,” said Lassner. “The challenges are certainly great but the opportunities are even greater for us as we move forward.”

Statement by the University of Hawaiʻi on the Board of Land and Natural Resources decision to approve the application for a permit to build the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Maunakea.

The University of Hawaiʻi thanks the Board of Land and Natural Resources and the hearing officer for all of their diligence and hard work on this second contested case. The university first applied for this permit seven years ago, and we believe this decision and the underlying vote represent a fitting and fair reflection of an issue that has divided many in the community who care deeply about Maunakea.

Maunakea is precious to all of Hawaiʻi, and we know that science and culture can synergistically coexist there, now and into the future. We have a solid foundation to build on with the plans that have been developed and the work that has been done thanks to the dedication of the Office of Maunakea Management and the volunteer community members who have served on the Mauanakea Management Board and the Kahu K奴 Mauna council over the past 17 years.

We know we have more to do, and we stand firmly committed to collaboratively build a global model of harmonious and inspirational stewardship that is befitting of the amazing cultural, natural, educational and scientific traditions and resources of Maunakea.

(PDF).

The today recommended moving forward to public hearing with draft administrative rules to protect cultural and scientific access and strengthen stewardship of the lands on Maunakea leased and managed by the University of Hawaiʻi. The Mauna Kea Management Board, comprised of seven Hawaiʻi County community members, voted on the draft at its monthly meeting in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. The recommendation to go to public hearing was first considered by , a council of community advisors from the Native Hawaiian community.

The recommendation to go to public hearing will next go before the 东精影业 Board of Regents (BOR) and then to for approval to proceed to public hearing. The community is strongly encouraged to participate in the public hearing process, which is designed to provide all stakeholders an opportunity to offer input on the draft rules before they are finalized and go back through the formal process for final approval.

The draft rules were developed after multiple community meetings and open houses on Hawaiʻi Island, and incorporate comments from the (DLNR). The was previously consulted and has been invited to review the latest version of the draft rules. Portions of the draft rules were adapted from rules currently in place for similar lands managed by DLNR, including forest and natural area reserves.

The development of the administrative rules is mandated by the , which was approved by the Board of Land and Natural Resources and BOR in open public sessions after substantial public review and comment and is authorized by the Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes. The purpose of the administrative rules is to provide for the proper use, management and protection of cultural, natural and scientific resources of the 东精影业 management areas; to promote public safety and welfare by regulating public and commercial activity within the 东精影业 management areas; and to expand current efforts to better manage additional aspects of safety and vehicle congestion to ensure safe and appropriate access to the 东精影业 management areas for the public.

The draft rules will be posted as soon as they are made publicly available.

The (OMKM) Mālama Maunakea volunteer day was held on Saturday, August 20 as part of its Mālama Maunakea campaign to protect the resources on the mountain.

OMKM organizes volunteer weed pulls monthly to control fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis) and other invasive plant species around the Halepōhaku area on Maunakea at the 9,000 foot elevation. The fireweed pull helps to keep this invasive species from being transported to the upper elevation areas of Maunakea. Every OMKM volunteer weed pull helps to prepare the area for future restoration projects.

More than 20 community volunteers participated in the weed pull including a school group from Keaau’s Christian Liberty Academy, island businesses and community members.

Saturday began with a project orientation and acclimation to the high elevation for the volunteers followed by a two-hour weed pull, lunch and an informative lecture on the Maunakea resources.

The invasive species weed pulls began in 2012 and have proved to be quite successful with more than 1,000 participants volunteering 7,000 hours and pulling 1,523 garbage bags of weeds on 37 separate locations.

The Office of Maunakea Management is this year’s recipient of the Kona Kohala Chamber of Commerce Pualu Award for Environmental Awareness. This award recognizes the work of organizations that exhibit sensitivity and concern for the environment through innovative environmental practices.

• Relate UH News story: , June 29, 2016

—A news story from the Office of Maunakea Management

The (OMKM) was honored with the Pualu Award for Environmental Awareness. This award recognizes organizations that exhibit sensitivity and concern for the environment through innovative environmental practices.

“We were not only impressed with OMKM’s environmental initiatives and actions, but also with its collaboration with the community on volunteer programs and innovative efforts to make substantive changes in behavior by starting to educate young people in elementary schools across the island,” said Executive Director Kirstin Kahaloa.

Helping native species and reducing invasive ones

One example of why OMKM was selected for the Pualu Award was its sensitivity and concern for the wekiu bug. In 1999, the bug was listed as a candidate for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. OMKM launched a full scale effort, including annual surveys and ongoing research to learn more about the bug. As a result of these efforts combined with other OMKM management plans the bug was no longer considered a candidate for federal protection. The cited ongoing monitoring, expanded knowledge of the bug’s habitat range and management plans “precluded the need to list this species.”

OMKM’s volunteer program invites the community to participate in the stewardship of Maunakea by spending a Saturday pulling weeds. Volunteers pull weeds, are given a short natural history tour, followed by lunch and a lecture about Maunakea.

Nearly 1,000 individuals have volunteered during 37 weed pulls culminating in over 7,000 volunteer hours and 1,523 bags of invasive weeds pulled. Community volunteers have also helped with replanting the endangered ahinahina (silversword) in the adjacent Mauna Kea Forest Reserve.

Educational Outreach

OMKM is doing educational outreach into elementary schools and communities island-wide. OMKM learning stations at educational events include endemic and endangered flora and fauna coloring station, a match the bug with larvae game, put the bug where it belongs on the mountain (similar to pin the tail on the donkey) and a bug box showcasing Maunakea arthropods.

“Ensuring that the rare and often fragile natural resources found within the Mauna Kea Science Reserve are protected will have a profound and positive effect on the community today and for generations to come,” said OMKM Director Stephanie Nagata.

This article was written by Stephanie Nagata, Office of Maunakea Management Director

Our mission is to achieve harmony, balance and trust in the sustainable management and stewardship of the Mauna Kea Science Reserve through community involvement and programs that protect, preserve and enhance the natural, cultural and recreational resources of Maunakea while providing a world-class center dedicated to education, research and astronomy.

Achieving harmony, balance and trust is challenging given wide-ranging cultural, scientific and community interests coupled with the turbulence we’ve all witnessed, but we continue our focus on doing what’s right for Maunakea.

Recent news making events have detracted from the great strides in the management of Maunakea by , , and community volunteers over the past 16 years.

We are filled with an even greater sense of kuleana, of responsibility, to fulfill our mission on Maunakea. Over the years, we have implemented numerous management initiatives resulting in positive change in the 11,300-acre science reserve.

The 2009 , and its four sub plans focusing on the management of cultural and natural resources, decommissioning of telescopes, and public access, guide us on our path moving forward. These management plans were approved after an open and transparent public process that included extensive consultation with many stakeholders.

Here’s an example of how natural resources are being preserved and protected on Maunakea. Community members have rallied behind our Mālama Maunakea initiatives that focus on invasive species weed pulls and replanting the endangered silversword. This work, done by many hands, is making a difference. Over the past five years, 984 individuals have volunteered during 37 weed pulls culminating in 7,159 volunteer hours and 1,523 bags of fireweed pulled. These impressive numbers were achieved thanks to many community volunteers including chamber members. Keep the sunscreen handy as future trips to eradicate fireweed are ongoing.

Our work on the mountain is based on research to establish baseline inventories followed by monitoring of the status of the resources. Take, for example, the indigenous wekiu bug, once a candidate for federal protection. , , spent a decade studying the wekiu’s life cycle and habitat requirements. Using this knowledge and 13 years of surveys, OMKM management resource management plans and actions, prompted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to remove the wekiu bug as a candidate for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. in their report stated, “The protection and monitoring of the wekiu bug provided through the management plans for Mauna Kea has precluded the need to list this species.”

OMKM has also completed an archaeological inventory of the entire 11,300 acres under our management. This was no easy task. The site, the elevation and its harsh weather conditions required nearly five years to complete the inventory. We now have a documented baseline of cultural resources on the mountain. This baseline information will help us to preserve the cultural landscape for the benefit of practitioners, historians and the public.

This physical inventory complements the collection of native traditions, historical accounts and oral history previously commissioned from noted historian Kepa Maly and his Kumu Pono Associates group.

These initiatives and more are helping the to maintain and preserve this cultural legacy and the natural resources for future generations.

On May 26, 2015, Governor David Ige announced a . Here is an update, as of May 2016, on the steps the University of Hawaiʻi has taken to meet its obligations set by the governor’s plan.

This editorial by 东精影业 President David Lassner and 东精影业 Hilo Chancellor first ran in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Februay 28, 2016.

The University of Hawaiʻi’s stewardship of Mauna Kea extends beyond the construction and operation of observatories. We are also responsible for overseeing the process of taking observatories off the mountain at the end of their useful life.

Decommissioning a telescope is complex and the university has developed a process to ensure the observatories are removed in a safe and appropriate way.

The process is detailed in the 2010 (PDF which sets a timetable for removing four observatories by 2033.

东精影业 is ahead of schedule and on track to exceed the committed number of telescopes that will be decommissioned by that deadline.

The decommissioning plan was developed after numerous public discussions with residents and stakeholders on Hawaiʻi island. The plan was then approved by both the and the state at publicly noticed open meetings that included multiple opportunities for public input.

Specific plans already have been announced for the decommissioning of three telescopes.

Decommissioning of the and the 东精影业 Hilo Hoku Kea telescopes is now underway, and decommissioning of the UKIRT telescope was announced in October 2015, to be completed by the time the Thirty Meter Telescope would be in operation. The Caltech Submillimeter Observatory and were among the four telescopes identified in the decommissioning plan; the Hoku Kea telescope was not.

The commitment to the fourth telescope to be decommissioned by the end of the current master lease in 2033 also will be honored, along with a fifth telescope.

东精影业 will meet the decommissioning goal set in .

The Hawaiʻi state auditor has repeatedly reviewed 东精影业’s management of Mauna Kea and has never raised concerns about decommissioning. The 1998 audit did mention old test equipment that needed to be removed, and the 2005 audit confirmed that was done. In fact, the most recent audit in 2014 notes the decommissioning plan as among the management improvements 东精影业 has made.

The telescopes on Mauna Kea continue to produce significant scientific discoveries each year, and any telescope that might become obsolete would be removed as quickly as possible.

Two of the observatories we are removing from the mountain are at the end of their productive life: the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory and the Hoku Kea. The third one to be removed, UKIRT, continues to be one of the most highly productive telescopes in the world.

The actual decommissioning process described in the decommissioning plan is complex and must comply with environmental, historic preservation, cultural, health and other substantive and permitting requirements.

The Hawaiʻi island-based coordinates the decommissioning process, serves as a liaison with the , and oversees the required reporting and documentation.

The planning process is also coordinated with the cultural guidance of Kahu Ku Mauna, an advisory council from the Native Hawaiian community, as well as with the community-based Mauna Kea Management Board.

As outlined in the plan, decommissioned sites will never be reused for astronomy. The goal of decommissioning is full restoration of the site to the extent possible, taking into account the impacts of the restoration work itself.

Cultural and environmental perspectives and considerations are critical factors throughout the decommissioning process.

东精影业 is already ahead of the schedule outlined in the decommissioning plan and is on track to exceed all commitments to contain the physical imprint of astronomy on Mauna Kea.

东精影业 is fully committed to meet all the obligations outlined in the in collaboration with our community-based and cultural advisers.

The University of Hawaiʻi’s response to recent media reports that the Thirty Meter Telescope is now exploring alternative sites as a 鈥淧lan B鈥� if it can’t build in Hawaiʻi:

The remains steadfast in our support for locating the Thirty Meter Telescope in Hawaiʻi. The project is a tremendous scientific and economic opportunity for Hawaiʻi Island and the state. It will be a cornerstone of the next generation of astronomy in Hawaiʻi, one of the anchors of our research and innovation enterprise. TMT is also providing educational, scholarship and STEM support for Hawaiʻi Island schools and substantial resources for improved stewardship of Maunakea. 东精影业 was the original permit applicant for the project and will be deeply involved in the upcoming proceedings, as we have been throughout the process to date.

The Hawaiʻi Supreme Court issued an opinion today vacating the Hawaiʻi State (BLNR) Conservation District Use Permit (CDUP) for the Thirty Meter Telescope and the 2014 Circuit Court decision that upheld the granting of the permit.

The court stated that a contested case hearing should have been held before the CDUP was granted and remanded the case, “so that a contested case hearing can be conducted or for other proceedings consistent with the court’s opinion.”

• (PDF)

The University of Hawaiʻi released an official statement saying: “The University of Hawaiʻi continues to believe that Maunakea is a precious resource where science and culture can synergistically coexist, now and into the future, and remains strongly in support of the Thirty Meter Telescope. 东精影业 is currently reviewing the court’s decision to determine the best path forward.”

This editorial by 东精影业 President David Lassner and 东精影业 Hilo Chancellor Donald Straney first ran in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on November 29, 2015.

Current controversies unfortunately overshadow the remarkable advances made in the stewardship of Maunakea. Critics often cite the 1998 State Auditor report on 东精影业 management. The university never disputed these findings, but viewed the report as a wakeup call to drive the creation of a completely new approach to stewardship.

The most recent follow-up by the State Auditor in 2014 observed: “We found that 东精影业 has developed several management plans that provide a comprehensive framework for managing and protecting Mauna Kea while balancing the competing interests of culture, conservation, scientific research, and recreation.”

This dramatic turnaround occurred with 东精影业’s shift of stewardship responsibility to Hawaiʻi Island and the creation of the (OMKM) in 2000 under the . With this commitment to community and island-based management, OMKM led the development of the much-needed Maunakea Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP) and its four subplans. These were created with significant community input and approved in 2009-2010 by the聽东精影业 and . The CMP provides overarching management guidelines for Maunakea including public access, cultural resources management, natural resources management and decommissioning of observatories as well as management of construction activities, education and outreach.

The Maunakea rangers program has been key to the turnaround. The rangers are on duty every day, interacting with some 300,000 visitors each year–cultural practitioners, local residents, tourists and observatory personnel. Rangers offer first response emergency care, health and safety warnings and answer questions regarding the cultural, scientific and natural resources of Maunakea.

With the support of the observatories, 东精影业 ensures safe public access for all by properly maintaining the road to the summit with twice weekly grading, snow plowing and issuing weather alerts.

东精影业 conducts the regular monitoring of over 250 cultural sites, including shrines, ahu and burials. The sites were identified in an extensive archeological inventory survey the university completed for the entire Maunakea Science Reserve and access road.

东精影业 has a robust natural resources program for the mountain and oversees regular monitoring of the mountain’s plant life as identified in the botanical survey 东精影业 conducted. Regular surveys and control programs are also conducted for invasive species that threaten the environment. One success story is the wēkiu bug, found only on the Maunakea summit. The federal government recognized 东精影业’s management plans and work to protect the wēkiu bug, which was removed as a candidate for federal protection in 2011.

Three observatories were publicly identified this year for decommissioning and will follow the stringent guidelines of the CMP that require review of telescope deconstruction, removal, site restoration, environmental due diligence and cultural considerations.

The 2014 State Auditor report did note one shortcoming in 东精影业 stewardship: the need to develop Administrative Rules to guide public access. 东精影业 accepts this responsibility and work is now underway, beginning with the public open houses conducted by OMKM this summer at multiple locations on Hawaiʻi Island. The drafting and approval processes are expected to be completed in 2017.

In addition, 东精影业 is committed to improving cultural education and is designing a new curriculum for visitors–local residents and tourists–and for those who work on the mountain. The establishment of a new research program about Maunakea is also underway.

Governor Ige has stated that, “The activities of Native Hawaiians, and of our scientists, to seek knowledge and to explore our relationship with our cosmos and its creation can and should co-exist on the mountain.”

The University of Hawaiʻi couldn’t agree more, and remains committed to positive stewardship of Maunakea for all who treasure this precious resource and for generations to come.

The at the , which is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Maunakea Science Reserve, is seeking community volunteers to participate in its ongoing Mālama Maunakea campaign.

The effort concentrates on eradicating the highly invasive fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis) along the Maunakea Access Road and around Halepōhaku at approximately 9,200-foot elevation. The fireweed pulls help keep the invasive species from being transported to the upper elevation areas of Maunakea and reduce habitat for invasive insects.

Volunteer event details

Weed pulling is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015, starting at 8:00 a.m. Space is limited and lunch is provided.

For Hilo-based volunteers, transportation to and from Hilo is provided. For West Hawaiʻi volunteers, the Office of Maunakea Management will help coordinate ride sharing. A brief tour of Maunakea resources caps the day.

To volunteer or for more information, see the , call (808)933-3884 or email OMKMvolunteers-grp[at]hawaii.edu.

Mālama Maunakea

“Our overarching goal at the Office of Maunakea Management is to mālama Maunakea,” says Stephanie Nagata, director of the office. “Taking care of 12,000 acres is a daunting task, but with collaborative community partnerships we can accomplish much.”

• See

Nagata says she is grateful for the school groups, service organizations, chambers of commerce, individuals and families who give a weekend of their time to take care of Maunakea.

—From

A letter from University of Hawaiʻi President David Lassner to Chair Suzanne Case confirms that the (TMT) project site is the last new area on the mountain where a telescope project will be contemplated or sought.

President Lassner’s letter to Chair Case states that it, “shall constitute a legally binding commitment and may be regarded as a condition of the University of Hawaiʻi’s current lease(s) and of any lease renewal or extension proposed by the university.”

The commitment fulfills the second point of Governor David Ige’s 10-point “Way Forward” plan that addresses future management and stewardship of Maunakea. 东精影业 has also fulfilled the third point of the plan, officially identifying three telescopes that will be decommissioned and permanently removed before TMT begins operations.

The has identified the third observatory to be decommissioned and removed from the summit of Maunakea, advancing the implementation of the . The third observatory is the UKIRT Observatory, formerly known as the .

The decommissioning of three observatories is part of to enhance the stewardship of Maunakea. Since then, the has ceased operations and begun the decommissioning planning process, and . Detailed planning for the removal of the UKIRT observatory and restoration of the site will begin some time after the decommissioning processes for the Caltech and Hoku Kea observatories and will be completed in accordance with the governor鈥檚 plan. No new observatories will be built on the three sites.

The general decommissioning process for observatories is outlined in the Office of Mauna Kea Management鈥檚 to ensure that the decommissioning is handled properly and in a culturally and environmentally respectful manner. The process starts with the development of a site decommissioning plan that must include an environmental due diligence review, deconstruction and removal plan, site restoration plan and remedial action plan if necessary.

The UKIRT Observatory began operations in 1979 and was built and operated by science agencies of the United Kingdom. Ownership recently was transferred to 东精影业, and the observatory is currently operated as a research partnership with 东精影业, the and the . It remains highly productive, with current work areas including orbital debris studies, observation and cataloging of Near-Earth objects and world-leading astronomical survey projects. 东精影业 is confident that UKIRT鈥檚 scientific program will continue to be at the highest level during the remaining life of the observatory.

The will begin the process of decommissioning the Hoku Keʻa, the 东精影业 Hilo Educational Telescope on Maunakea, in early 2016. 东精影业 Hilo will follow the decommissioning process outlined in the Office of Mauna Kea Management’s Comprehensive Management Plan.

• Download: (PDF)

The process is expected to be completed in 2018 after the ’s scheduled decommissioning. Once the area is restored to its natural state, no new observatory will be built on the Hoku Keʻa site.

The Caltech Observatory announced in May that it is ending operations and will also begin the decommissioning process in 2016. As with the 东精影业 Hilo telescope, no new observatory will be built on the site.

Statement from 东精影业 President David Lassner and 东精影业 Hilo Chancellor Donald Straney

Over the past months the has received substantial input regarding our stewardship of Maunakea. on May 26 is consistent with what we have heard from the community. We accept that the university has not yet met all of our obligations to the mountain or the expectations of the community. For that, we apologize and lay out this outline of an action plan for improving our stewardship. We will provide a more detailed schedule by July 2015 following additional consultations.

Some of these implementation measures have been recommended to us in the past. As we move forward, we commit to increased engagement and active listening with the community, particularly from , which has provided sage advice and guidance.

• Governor’s statement, June 1, 2015:

TMT is the last new site

The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) will be the last new observatory site developed on Maunakea. Any new observatories may only be placed on existing sites. Both of these conditions are contained in the , approved by the in 2010. The university will meet with the (DLNR) to draft a document to make this commitment legally binding.

Adopting a decommissioning schedule

On May 28, the announced it will end operations in September 2015. They will be the first observatory to implement the Decommissioning Plan for the Mauna Kea Observatories, and should complete the process by 2018. We are discussing with the directors of other observatories a definitive schedule of decommissioning of other observatories. We will meet with the director of DLNR this week to review the administrative process for decommissioning. By the end of 2015 we will present an implementation plan for the removal of 25 percent of the summit observatories and the restoration of the sites by the time TMT is ready for operation.

Return of leased land to DLNR

We will consult with DLNR on how we can identify and return to their management lands that are currently part of the Mauna Kea Science Reserve that are not used for astronomy. We will accordingly modify our application for a new lease to reduce the total acreage that would be under university management.

Restarting the EIS for the master lease renewal

Over the past two months, we have heard many new ideas regarding the university’s master lease for the Mauna Kea Science Reserve. We will restart the Environmental Impact Statement process for our new lease, enabling us to include additional options for consideration, and conduct a cultural impact assessment. The requested term of the new lease will be substantially less than a 65-year extension.

Improved management of non-cultural access to Maunakea

We have been consulting with community groups to develop administrative rules for the Mauna Kea Science Reserve, including rules that would ensure cultural access while improving management of non-cultural access.

In June, we will begin a series of open house sessions for further public consultation and we will place particular attention on the scope of rules on access. We will have draft rules prepared by October 2015 to begin the formal public consultation phase of the rule making process.

Improved cultural research, education and training

We will work with Kahu Kū Mauna and other Native Hawaiian advisors to develop new cultural training and educational programs about Maunakea. Training is currently required for people working on the mountain and we will look for opportunities for improvement. We will develop training and education programs for visitors to ensure that all who come to Maunakea understand its cultural significance and how to respect the mountain. To ensure our cultural training and education programs are accurate, effective and continuing, we will establish at a new program to lead and evaluate our expanded cultural stewardship and educational activities related to Maunakea.

Full use of observing time

We confirm the university is making, and will continue to make, full use of its observing time at Maunakea observatories.

Increased financial support for stewardship

We will discuss with our sublessees the level of their investments in the operational and stewardship costs for the Mauna Kea Science Reserve as well as sublease payments under a new master lease.

New scholarship programs

The governor asked TMT to increase its support to Native Hawaiian students, particularly those from Hawaiʻi Island, who wish to pursue science and technology careers. 东精影业 recognizes its responsibilities in this area and we will launch a campaign for new scholarship programs for Hawaiʻi Island and Native Hawaiian students to increase their participation in the sciences. The university will allocate a portion of its observing time to 东精影业 Hilo for use in projects and programs to support greater participation and improved preparation of Hawaiʻi Island students for professional careers.

Governor David Ige announced his proposed way forward for the stewardship of Maunakea at a news conference on May 26. For more details on his 10 point action plan, read the .

A short time later, University of Hawaiʻi President David Lassner told reporters that the university “can and must do better.” He added that 东精影业 will have more information within the week.

东精影业 Hilo Chancellor Donald Straney added that he shares Gov. Ige’s belief that “the activities of Native Hawaiians, and of our scientists, to seek knowledge and to explore our relationship with our cosmos and its creation can and should co-exist on the mountain” and he looks forward to working with all stakeholders to achieve this goal.

Lassner’s news conference

Governor’s news conference

Since 2000, Maunakea has been under stewardship of the whose mission is to protect the natural, cultural and scientific resources of the mountain through community-led management. The , approved by the , is the state’s overarching management plan for Maunakea.

The comprehensive management plan covers four major areas of responsibility, explained below:

• Public access
• Cultural resources management
• Natural resources management
• Decommissioning of the observatories

The plan also contains actions governing the management of construction activities, activities and uses, and education and outreach.

• Download: (PDF)

A 1998 state auditor’s report voiced concerns about 东精影业 management on Maunakea, but a 2014 follow-up audit noted that 东精影业 and the Department of Land and Natural Resources “have made progress on implementing many of our major recommendations… thus demonstrating their commitment to protecting Mauna Kea and its summit area.” (PDF).

Office of Maunakea Management mission statement

“Achieve harmony, balance and trust in the sustainable management and stewardship of the Maunakea Science Reserve through community involvement and programs that protect, preserve and enhance the natural, cultural and recreational resources of Maunakea while providing a world-class center dedicated to education, research and astronomy.”

Public access

The Office of Maunakea Management is responsible for providing safe access for everyone including local residents, cultural practitioners, observatory personnel and about 300,000 visitors each year.

• Download: (PDF)

Since 2001, monitor daily activity on the summit, watch for unsafe or inappropriate activities and respond to emergencies. Rangers are on duty 365 days a year interacting with visitors, offering health and safety warnings and answering questions regarding the cultural, scientific and natural resources of Maunakea.

The visitor information station, which is supported by the observatories, provides information on the cultural significance and natural environment of Maunakea, as well as the cutting edge science conducted there. Free stargazing and other activities are also popular with the community and visitors, which is subsidized by the .

The Maunakea Observatories Support Service maintains the summit access road which requires biweekly grading of the steep four-mile long gravel road that runs from the 9,200 foot elevation level to the summit. They are also responsible for keeping the road open by removing snow and ice and providing , all of which are available to the public at no cost.

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Cultural resources management

The Office of Maunakea Management completed an extensive archaeological inventory survey of the 11,288-acre Maunakea Science Reserve and the summit road corridor. The survey took four years to complete and identified more than 260 sites that contained about 1,000 features including shrines, ahu and burials. Six of the sites are located in the 525-acre Astronomy Precinct and none of these include burials. The precinct is the only area in the reserve where observatory development is permitted.

• Download: (PDF)
• Related: (see Appendix A) (PDF)

The monitoring of archaeological sites is conducted annually according to the guidelines in the archaeological monitoring and burial treatment plans. Both plans underwent public review and were approved by the Department of Land and Natural Resource’s .

The plans were also reviewed by , a community-based volunteer member council comprised of members from the Native Hawaiian community. The Kahu Kū Mauna advises the Office of Maunakea Management, and the chancellor of on cultural matters relating to the Maunakea.

The Office of Maunakea Management also funded an oral history and archival study of the history of the mountain.

• Related:

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Natural resources management

The protection and preservation of the extensive natural resources found on 东精影业’s managed lands on Maunakea, is guided by a (PDF). The plan calls for the identification, study and monitoring of all natural resources.

• Download: (PDF)

The office is currently funding an erosion study of the summit region and the development of a climate change modeling program. The latter will help in developing programs for managing the sensitive summit ecosystem according to predicted changes in climate.

Studies have been completed on the biology, habitat and food distribution of the Hawaiian Alpine Wēkiu bug, a unique species found only on Maunakea. In addition, research is about to commence on habitat restoration. These studies and efforts resulted in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removing the wēkiu bug as a candidate from federal protection under the Endangered Species Act.

The Office of Maunakea Management has also completed a botanical survey of the road corridor, Halepōhaku and the summit. Annual surveys of the wēkiu bug continue along with surveys of native and alien species. Monthly and quarterly surveys are conducted in facilities at the 9,200 foot elevation and observatories, respectively, for the presence of invasive species, in particular ants.

• Related:
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A volunteer program of the Office of Maunakea Management involves members of the Hawaiʻi Island community, including schools, community associations, businesses and the . The program has been actively removing invasive weeds at Halepōhaku with the goal of restoring the area with native and endemic plants. One of the volunteer events involved planting the endemic Maunakea silversword.

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Decommissioning of the observatories

The Office of Maunakea Management decommissioning plan provides a detailed process for the decommissioning of observatories and site restoration.

• Download: (PDF)

For new telescopes and observatories that renegotiate their current subleases, the plan requires each facility to guarantee that funding will be in place for the eventual decommissioning of the facility. The plan also states that there will be no new development of observatories on undisturbed land following the Thirty Meter Telescope and any new development can only take place on an existing site. The plan also describes the future of astronomy over the next 15 years and anticipates fewer telescopes in the future.

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History of stewardship

The University of Hawaiʻi moved the stewardship of Maunakea from the 东精影业 Mānoa to as part of the 2000 . The plan called for the establishment of the and the community-based , whose members are nominated by the 东精影业 Hilo chancellor and appointed by the .

• Related: (PDF)

The Maunakea Management Board provides a sustained, direct voice for the community regarding 东精影业-managed areas. Kahu Kū Mauna, was also established and advises the Maunakea Management Board, the Office of Maunakea Management and the 东精影业 Hilo chancellor on Hawaiian cultural matters relating to the mountain. In addition, an environment committee was formed to advise and provide expertise on environmental issues.

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The Hoʻokahua Project of Office of the Chancellor at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and , will be hosting E Nihi Kahele: Maintaining Kapu Aloha for Mauna Kea presentation on the on Thursday, April 9, 5–8 p.m. at the University Classroom Building, room 100.

The event is free and open to the 东精影业 community and the general public.

Speakers

• Manulani Aluli Meyer, Moʻokapu, 东精影业 Hilo Kanilehua Visiting Scholar
• Luana Busby-Neff, Molokai, Hawaiian Force, PKO, Moʻokapu
• Ngahiraka Mason, Aotearoa, Tuhoe, Senior Curator Maori Art

A discussion on understanding mauna, culture and intention throughout moana-nui-akea. A hui wānana to explore insights, practices and clarity for these times.

“Come to understand the focus of our kapu aloha—a synonym for ahimsa. Because of the needs of our time, and the distortion of stories flying around the globe, come to listen to what is really happening to those who have been dedicated to aloha ʻāina our whole lives and who are now lending this focus to Maunakea,” said Manulani Aluli Meyer.

For more information on this presentation, contact Kīpuka at (808) 932-7418. For disability accommodation contact Darlene Iokepa at (808) 932-7418 (V), 932-7002 (TTY).

Updates to this story

• April 16
• Commentary by Manulani Aluli Meyer: April 13

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The construction phase beginning on the project on Maunakea on Hawaiʻi Island has prompted protests and media coverage. The telescope is being built in the 525-acre Astronomy Precinct, which is the only area astronomy development can take place. It is part of the 11,288-acre Maunakea Science Reserve that 东精影业 has leased from the since 1968.

东精影业 supports the TMT project because it contributes significantly to the university’s mission of advancing knowledge. With a primary mirror thirty meters in diameter, the TMT will have nine times the light collecting area of the largest telescopes now on Maunakea. It will be able to see much fainter and more distant objects than is possible with existing telescopes and to study them in greater detail. It will help to maintain Hawaiʻi’s worldwide leadership in astronomy.

The Office of Maunakea Management

Through the , which reports directly to the Chancellor, 东精影业 is responsible for the sustainable management and stewardship of the Maunakea Science Reserve. The university understands that Maunakea is one of the most culturally significant sites in Hawaiʻi.

The Master Plan adopted in 2000 by the 东精影业 Board of Regents requires community based management that protects, balances, integrates and enhances Maunakea’s resources while providing a world-class center dedicated to education, research and astronomy. The university is also responsible for providing safe access for everyone on the mountain: local residents, observatory personnel, cultural practitioners, visitors and 东精影业 staff.

东精影业’s commitment to free speech

东精影业 is committed to the free and open exchange of ideas and affirms the rights of all individuals to engage in their first amendment right to free speech. The university respects everyone opposed to the TMT project and their right to a lawful protest.

The open and extensive public process

Over the last seven years, TMT has met all legal requirements in obtaining the necessary permits to build a next generation telescope from the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources and the County of Hawaiʻi, including a sublease from the university.

More than 20 public hearings have been held during the process and the project has been approved by then Governor Neil Abercrombie, the 东精影业 Board of Regents and the Board of Land and Natural Resources. The Hawaiʻi County Mayor and Office of Hawaiian Affairs along with numerous unions and Hawaiʻi Island community groups have expressed support. The project has also cleared legal challenges and was upheld in the Third Circuit Court.

Inaccurate claims

There have been inaccurate claims made about the project recently. The most common is that TMT is a danger to the Maunakea aquifer and drinking water on Hawaiʻi Island. Comprehensive research by expert hydrologists confirms that TMT and the existing 13 telescopes pose no such danger. Furthermore, TMT is designed to be a zero waste discharge facility with all waste securely transported off the summit. There is also very little precipitation above 8,000 feet and the observatories are located well above that at the top of Maunakea at 14,000 feet.

• (see section 3–115)

Another claim is that TMT did not meet the eight criteria for a conservation district use permit issued by the Hawaiʻi Board of Land and Natural Resources in 2011. The Third Circuit Court ruled that TMT did meet the criteria by being consistent with state laws governing the districts, not causing substantial adverse impact to existing natural resources, being compatible with the surrounding area, preserving the existing physical and environmental aspects, not subdividing or increasing the intensity of the land use and not being materially detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare. State regulations specifically identify astronomy as a permitted use in the Maunakea Science Reserve.

Stewardship and community involvement

The Office of Maunakea Management has expanded community involvement. Its seven-member board is comprised of Hawaiʻi Island community leaders. There is also a Kahu Kū Mauna council that consists of Hawaiʻi Island residents who are knowledgeable about the cultural significance of Maunakea and are consulted on all projects proposed on 东精影业-managed lands and cultural matters. The Office of Maunakea Management is responsible for continuing to address public access, cultural resources management, natural resources management and the decommissioning of telescopes.

The University of Hawaiʻi and the Office of Maunakea Management will continue to treat everyone with respect and aloha.

• Related link: West Hawaiʻi Today editorial by Chad Kalepa Baybayan