Community invited to share input at Mauna Kea stewardship Talk Story in Nāʻālehu

The Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority is holding a Talk Story on Wednesday in Nāʻālehu to foster continued engagement with community members and residents across the Big island.

The session’s agenda will include an overview of the authority’s background and history, an introduction of the strategic framework draft, a breakout session to discuss the draft, and a question-and-answer.

The event runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Nāʻālehu Community Center, 95-5635 Hawaiʻi Belt Road. It also will be livestreamed on youtube.com/@MaunaKeaSOA.

The Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority also will hold its Board Meeting on Thursday at 10 a.m. at 600 ʻImiloa Place in Hilo.

The Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority is a state agency established by law in 2022 to develop a new mutual stewardship model for Hawaiʻi’s revered summit in which ecology, the environment, natural resources, cultural practices, education and science are in balance.

“We look forward to engaging with residents in meaningful dialogue,” said John De Fries, executive director of the authority, in a news release.

The authority is guided by a volunteer board of 12 members, representing a diverse array of stakeholders for Mauna Kea.

“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,” De Fries said.

According to Wednesday’s agenda, four other Talk Stories will be held:

• Kona, Aug. 27: West Hawaiʻi Civic Center
• Hāmākua, Sept. 3: Laupāhoehoe Community PCS Cafeteria
• Waimea, Sept. 17: Kahilu Town Hall
• Hilo, Sept. 24: UH Hilo, Hale ʻŌlelo

In 2028, the authority will assume management of Mauna Kea’s summit region from the University of Hawaiʻi.

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