Mauna Kea Stewardship Authority to host community talk story in Laupāhoehoe

The Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority has scheduled another Community Talk Story gathering on Sept. 3 in Laupāhoehoe.

“We look forward to engaging with residents in meaningful dialogue,” said John De Fries, executive director with the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, in a news release.

On Aug. 13 in Nāʻālehu, the Oversight Authority held the first of five community gatherings to engage residents across Hawaiʻi Island and gather public feedback on Mauna Kea’s strategic framework.

John Komeiji, the authority’s board chair, explained that the creation of the board in 2022 by the State Legislature was due to a lack of communication and transparency about Mauna Kea.

“We need everyone’s help at every step,” said Komeiji.

The gathering will take place at the Laupāhoehoe Community Public Charter School cafeteria on Sept. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. It also will be streamed on YouTube.

The Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority currently is in a five-year transition period before taking full control of the mountain’s management on July 1, 2028, from the University of Hawaiʻi that had been overseeing Mauna Kea since 1968.

Individuals who attend will have an opportunity to give input on stewardship priorities and meet with Mauna Kea board members and staff.

During the first talk story gathering, about 10 community members attended the public session, and the authority committee hopes to see more community members involved.

“As we continue to build a model of stewardship that reflects the values and priorities of our island communities, it’s important to hear from as many community voices as possible,” added De Fries.

The session will include an overview of the authority’s background, discussion on the draft strategic framework, and a Q&A session.

Two more Talk Stories gatherings will be held in Waimea on Sept. 17, at the Kahilu Town Hall, and in Hilo on Sept. 24 at UH Hilo, Hale ʻŌlelo.

For further information or updates on the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, click here.

To watch the gathering live on YouTube, click here.