Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority to host last 3 community workshops this month

The Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority is conducting its last 3 community engagement workshops on the Big Island this month.

The series of 10 workshops have taken place across the state intentionally to create space to listen to more voices and co-create a new management paradigm for Mauna Kea.

According to its website, the Authority affirms Hawaiʻi Island as the ultimate place of kuleana (responsibility). However, during the 2019 movement to protect Mauna Kea, people from across Hawaiʻi demonstrated a deep pilina (connection) to the mountain and a strong desire to be part of the conversation.

In 2025, the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority held six community talk-story sessions on Hawaiʻi Island and contracted consultants to lead a broader effort in community engagement to be used in the development of the Comprehensive Management Plan for Mauna Kea.

The authority’s development of the Comprehensive Management Plan for Mauna Kea will entail details that stretch from Hale Pōhaku to the summit.

During the workshops, community members have shared their perspectives and suggestions on stewardship priorities and access to Mauna Kea.

“This midpoint is an important moment for reflection,” said Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority Board Vice Chair Noe Noe Wong-Wilson, Ph.D. “It reinforces the responsibility we carry to listen carefully to different perspectives of those who feel passionate about the future of Mauna Kea. We’re grateful for all those who have participated, and we look forward to the remainder of the engagement process.”

All community workshops are broadcast live on YouTube, and participation extends to a digital survey to gather more input.

The final three community workshops are set for:

• Waimea: Kanu o ka ʻĀina Public Charter School from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11
• Nā‘ālehu: Nā‘ālehu Community Center from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18
• Kailua-Kona: La‘i ʻŌpua 2020 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19

“The Hawaiʻi Island workshops recognize the island’s primary kuleana to Mauna Kea and provide an opportunity for community members to participate directly in shaping its management,” said Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority Executive Director John DeFries.

Those wishing to participate in person are encouraged to register as food will be provided.

To register, read educational resources, or watch past workshops, visit kuaowakea.org.