Mauna Kea visitor center reopens

The Mauna Kea visitor center will reopen today after losing power from a lightning strike.

Stewart Hunter, Mauna Kea Support Services general manager, said lightning hit the ground Tuesday afternoon between the center and Hale Pohaku, affecting an electrical conduit.

That sent a surge toward the building, which shorted a transformer. That was replaced Thursday.

Hunter said the center will be open during normal hours from noon to 10 p.m.

Phones remain out at the center and Hale Pohaku midlevel facilities, he said.

For more information, visit http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/info/vis.