Earlier this summer, Subaru Telescope join the hui of Maunakea Observatories that have contributed to the Maunakea Fund at Hawaii Community Foundation.
The Maunakea Fund, which supports scientific, cultural and environmental programs that represent vital interest areas for the shared future of Maunakea, expands educational opportunities for keiki interested in STEM careers. To date, a total of $250,000 has been contributed to the fund.
Since its inception in 2016, the fund has helped sponsor numerous island-based grant programs through HCF, most recently to increase career connected education on Hawaii Island. The fund is a collaboration between the Maunakea Observatories and the broader community to create a sustainable legacy for Maunakea that inspires future generations to grow through education, community engagement and cultural values.
“We are thrilled to join the Maunakea Fund,” said Michitoshi Yoshia, director of Subaru Telescope. “We have a shared responsibility to help Maunakea thrive and we look forward to continuing to make a difference for Maunakea’s future.”
Subaru Telescope and the Long Baseline Observatory join the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (EAO), Gemini International Observatory and the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility as partners in the Maunakea Fund. The Maunakea Observatories partner in a variety of ways to promote a unifying vision for the betterment of Maunakea, the community and the future of Hawaii.
“The future of Maunakea depends on celebrating and unifying science, culture and environmental resources,” said Ka‘iu Kimura, executive director of ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center. “When all of these interests flourish, all of Hawaii’s people will benefit.”
MANU ‘Imiloa: The Geometry of Wayfinding is one of the 2017 grant recipients of the Maunakea Fund.
“We are grateful to join the observatories, organizations and individuals committed to creating a shared vision for Maunakea,” Kimura added.
To learn more about the Maunakea Fund at HCF, visit www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maunakea-fund.