Public input sought for update to University of Hawaiʻi Mauna Kea master management plan

University of Hawaiʻi asks the public to weigh in on proposed updates to “2022 Master Plan for the University of Hawaiʻi Maunakea Lands: E Ō I Nā Leo [Listen to the Voices],” which outlines the process for university management of Mauna Kea lands.

Proposed updates would align portions of the plan with Act 255 of Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes, as amended, which established Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority and changed framework for future management.

All existing plans and administrative rules remain in effect during the transition to Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority management, until replaced by plans and rules adopted by the authority.

The public is asked to review and provide feedback through Sept. 16. Comments and revisions can be made via an online engagement platform, which also includes answers to frequently asked questions.

Review proposed revisions and submit comments here.

Regents directed university administration in February to update the master plan to be consistent with Act 255. Key elements of the proposed revisions include:

• Updating sections related to site reuse, including guidelines for new astronomy facilities.
• Act 255 allows future astronomy-related development on Mauna Kea to prioritize the reuse of existing observatory footprints and not undeveloped lands.
• Updating sections related to guidelines for new astronomy facilities on previously used sites.
• Revisions would be limited to the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Master Plan and do not call for new land use or new development.
• No revisions are proposed to the Maunakea Comprehensive Management Plan.

University of Hawaiʻi remains committed to having no more than 9 observatories after 2033 and keeping existing decommissioning process and plan unchanged.

Proposed revisions are intended to apply broadly to potential future astronomy projects and focused on bringing the current plan into alignment with state law.

“Mauna Kea is important to many people for many different reasons, and hearing from the community is an integral part of this process,” said University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Center for Maunakea Stewardship Executive Director Greg Chun. “We invite the community to take some time to review the proposed revisions, ask questions and share their manaʻo, their perspectives with us.”

Members of the public also will have the opportunity to provide in-person and written testimony at two upcoming public meetings:

• Sept. 8: Maunakea Management Board.
• Sept. 10: Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority.

The proposal will need be approved by University of Hawaiʻi regents .

Master plan update efforts follow the review process established in the 2022 master plan.

That includes review by Center for Maunakea Stewardship advisory groups, opportunities for public input, review by Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority and consideration by University of Hawai‘i regents.