UH Telescope on Maunakea to Undergo Repair

A bird’s eye view of the UH 88-inch telescope and its surroundings. The red line marks the area where fencing will be erected during renovation work. Image provided by the University of Hawaiʻi.

The University of Hawaiʻi 88-inch telescope (UH88) on Maunakea will undergo much-needed repair and maintenance from May 1 to Oct. 31, 2017.

The renovation will include painting and repairing siding on the exterior, roof repair and weather sealing of the dome, improved lightning protection, as well as safety upgrades.

The work will require external scaffolding and overhead crane work.

To ensure the safety of visitors and staff, the area in the immediate proximity of UH88 will be fenced off to the public while renovations are taking place.

Visitors are asked to not walk on the slopes around the fence, which causes erosion and creates safety risks.

Other existing sites open to the public will remain open for sunset viewing and stargazing. These include areas both on and off the summit.

UH employees and contractors will comply with best management practices prepared by the contractor and approved by the Office of Maunakea Management (OMKM), including notices to OMKM, other observatories, and other users of the summit area and access road as appropriate when construction activities are anticipated to affect them. Construction vehicles and equipment will undergo invasive species inspections prior to coming up to the mountain.