The full membership of a group to investigate potential alternate management strategies for Maunakea has been announced.
The Mauna Kea Working Group was formed after the state House of Representatives passed a resolution to develop recommendations for a new governance and management structure for Maunakea, after a 2020 evaluation found that the University of Hawaii, which currently manages the land, has not adequately communicated with Native Hawaiian and cultural practitioner groups.
House Speaker Scott Saiki named all 15 members of the group today, including the group’s chair, Hilo Rep. Mark Nakashima, whose district includes Maunakea.
Seven members of the group are Native Hawaiians nominated by other Native Hawaiian organizations. They include:
• Jocelyn Leialoha M. Doane
• Lui Hokoana
• Pualani Kanaka‘ole Kanahele
• Joshua Lanakila Manguil
• Brialyn Onodera
• Shane Palacat-Nelsen
• Noe Noe Wong-Wilson
Three other members were selected from the House, including:
• Ty J. K. Cullen, who represents Royal Kunia, Waipahu, Makakilo, West Loch and Village Park on Oahu
• Stacelynn K. M. Eli, representing Ewa Villages, Kalaeloa, Honokai Hale, Nanakai Gardens, Ko Olina, Kahe Point, Nanakuli, Lualualei and Maili on Oahu
• David A. Tarnas, who represents North Kona and North and South Kohala. Tarnas is also chair of the House Water and Land Committee.
The remaining four members were announced a month ago, and include:
• Office of Hawaiian Affairs chief advocate Sterling Wong, representing OHA
• Department of Land and Natural Resources first deputy Robert K. Masuda, representing the DLNR board.
• UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin, representing the UH Board of Regents
• Rich Matsuda, interim chief operating officer at W. M. Keck Observatory, representing the Maunakea Observatories.
