Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority seeks executive director
The leader will guide the state authority through critical transition period of taking over management of Mauna Kea from the University of Hawaiʻi and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.
The Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority is accepting applications for executive director, a key position as the agency prepares to take over management of the mountain.
By July 1, 2028, management responsibilities will shift to the authority from the University of Hawaiʻi and the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources.
The new executive director will take over the position vacated on July 31 by John De Fries.
The authority created by the Hawaiʻi State Legislature is responsible for developing a new management approach that will integrate education, environmental protection, scientific research and Native Hawaiian cultural knowledge.
“We are seeking a leader who understands the significance of this responsibility, values collaboration and can work effectively with the board, staff, community and our many partners to move this important work forward,” Board Chair John Komeij said in a news release.
The application deadline is Nov. 13.
The executive director will oversee day-to-day operations, implement the board’s strategic direction, and support ongoing planning and coordination related to the transition.
The position requires strong organizational leadership, an understanding of Hawaiʻi’s cultural and natural resources, and the ability to navigate complex issues involving multiple stakeholders.
Interested candidates can find the full position description and application instructions at this link.
The Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, established in 2022, is a state entity charged with managing Maunakea lands held in trust for the benefit of the public. The authority is responsible for ensuring the long-term protection, management and care of Maunakea while balancing its cultural, natural, educational and scientific significance.
The University of Hawaiʻi now is seeking public feedback on proposed revisions to its 2022 Master Plan for the University of Hawaiʻi Mauna Kea Lands, titled E Ō I Nā Leo (Listen to the Voices), which outlines the university’s approach to managing its lands on Maunakea.
