The University of Hawaii released a progress report last week regarding implementation of Gov. David Ige’s 10-point plan for Mauna Kea.
Ige gave UH, which manages 11,288 acres on the mountain, the directives a year ago following large protests against construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope.
Some of the plan’s highlights include removing at least 25 percent of the mountain’s 13 telescopes by the time TMT is complete; restarting the environmental impact statement process for a new Mauna Kea master lease; reduce the length of UH’s next master lease; move expeditiously to create new rules that limit noncultural access.
UH previously identified the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory, UH-Hilo’s Hoku Kea telescope and UKIRT for decommissioning.
The university says it has issued formal notices of intent for the removal of CSO and Hoku Kea as required by the Mauna Kea decommissioning plan. The Department of Land and Natural Resources approved both notices.
Plans for removal of those two telescopes were presented to the Kahu Ku Mauna council, which advises the Office of Mauna Kea Management.
UH says it has done initial work on updating its EIS for a new master lease but says it paused the process to address the return of 10,000 acres to DLNR, as Ige requested. The EIS will include a cultural impact assessment.
UH and DLNR agreed to develop a memorandum of understanding for transferring lands not needed for astronomy, the university said.
Additionally, UH says it has drafted new administrative rules for the mountain that will address mountain access. It is preparing consultation with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Kahu Ku Mauna council and the Mauna Kea Management Board.
Completed actions include UH legally binding itself not to develop new telescope sites after TMT; “accept its responsibility to do a better job in the future;” and ensure it uses all of its telescope time.
While UH continues to work on the plan, it remains unclear what progress has been made on a new “Mauna Kea Cultural Council” Ige proposed making to advise the governor’s office and DLNR.
Asked for an update, a governor’s office spokeswoman issued a statement from Ige saying he is pleased with UH’s efforts, adding, “We still have much to do.”
“This plan is not just about TMT. It is about the long-term management of Mauna Kea,” he said.
“I remain committed to the TMT project, which must follow a comprehensive, fair and objective process in order to receive required approvals.”
The statement didn’t address efforts to form the new council and follow-up phone calls Friday weren’t returned.
UH’s report can be viewed at http://tinyurl.com/mkplanupdate.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitriune-herald.com.
