AstroDay West 2025 brought a wave of excitement to Kona Commons as crowds gathered around science booths, telescopes and live demonstrations. The University of Hawaiʻi (IfA) joined partners across the island to offer a day of engaging ways to explore the universe at the annual event hosted by .

The day-long celebration offered family-friendly learning, free giveaways and simple science experiments designed to spark curiosity. Organizers said the goal was to make astronomy feel approachable for everyone.

“We were excited to provide keiki and families with the opportunity to learn more about science and astronomy right here in Kona,” said Carolyn Kaichi, education and outreach specialist at IfA. “Through hands-on learning and key partnerships with organizations across the island, we hoped to inspire the next generation of local science and technology leaders.”

Sun, sky and science

糖心Vlog官方ors lined up to use a special solar telescope to safely view details on the sun鈥檚 surface. Nearby booths showed how stars form, how weather shapes our islands and how scientists observe the sky from Hawaiʻi鈥檚 mountaintops. IfA staff and students answered questions, guided activities and shared stories about their work.

AstroDay has long been a staple for families interested in science with a mission to strengthen public understanding of astronomy and create more opportunities for learning.

The event also featured displays and expertise from a wide range of partners, such as Las Cumbres Observatory, W. M. Keck Observatory, Gemini Observatory, Subaru Telescope, Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope, TMT International Observatory, NASA Solar System Ambassadors and the 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo .

The physical removal of the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory (CSO) on Maunakea is scheduled to begin by early May after extensive planning and permitting, according to an April 6 . CSO is following the (PDF) of the (PDF) for the observatory removal and site restoration.

“Over the winter, we finalized plans and prepared permitting applications to remove the telescope and transport it from the mountain,” said CSO Director Sunil Golwala in the release. “To transport the main mirror of the telescope to the harbor will require several road closures. We are alerting state and county agencies, the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo (CMS) and the community at each step.”

CSO is one of two Maunakea observatories expected to be fully decommissioned in 2023. The physical removal of the 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo Hōkū Keʻa observatory is expected to begin in the fall.

“Decommissioning an observatory is a complicated process involving regulatory approvals ensuring environmental stewardship and public safety,” said 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo CMS Executive Director Greg Chun. “The progress being made on the decommissioning of the first two observatories on Maunakea honors a longstanding commitment made by the university. We will complete this important work as we continue to work diligently on the transition to the Maunakea Stewardship and Oversight Authority.”

CSO is coordinating with the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation, Hawaiʻi County Police Department and County of Hawaiʻi Department of Public Works on road permitting requirements for transporting the telescope鈥檚 34-foot diameter primary reflector to Kawaihae Harbor on the Kona coast.

The entire removal process including a practice run is expected to take about six weeks and will involve publicly announced road closures. Much of the work and major road closures will take place between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. to minimize public impact. A map of the anticipated transport route can be found .

“Other telescope parts will be taken down from the summit as weather permits,” said Golwala. “As those parts are smaller, no road closures will be required.”

Once the telescope is removed, the buildings that housed the CSO telescope will be dismantled and the site restored. As required is the sublease for CMS, CSO is paying for the decommissioning, which is expected to exceed $4 million.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is seeking public input on whether it should move forward with a formal environmental review for the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) on Maunakea on Hawaiʻi Island.

The process begins with . An open comment period runs through September 17 and comments can be submitted in-person at the public meetings or online.

The University of Hawaiʻi has no formal role in the NSF process with the establishment of the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority authorized by the recent adoption of Act 255 (HB2024), however, 糖心Vlog官方 community members are strongly encouraged to participate in the NSF process including its public hearings.

“Whether you support TMT or not, the NSF needs to hear from you,” said 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo Center for Maunakea Stewardship Executive Director Greg Chun. “Robust, public participation is key to finding the best path forward for Maunakea and astronomy in Hawaiʻi.”

NSF has developed a Draft Community Engagement Plan to provide multiple opportunities for the public to participate in the environmental review process, which will include a 2–3 day interactive and NSF-facilitated workshop designed to develop a plan to define and practice responsible astronomy in Hawaiʻi. The public is invited to comment on draft study plans that outline the scope and methodology to be used in any studies that may be conducted as part of the environmental review.

On July 19, 2022, the NSF posted in the Federal Register, its Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and Initiate Section 106 Consultation for a Potential National Science Foundation Investment in the Construction and Operation of an Extremely Large Telescope Located in the Northern Hemisphere and Notice of Public Scoping Meetings and Comment Period. This notice officially starts (1) the public scoping process for NSF鈥檚 environmental impact statement required by the National Environmental Policy Act related to the proposed project鈥檚 impacts to resources, and (2) public consultation required under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act related to the proposed project鈥檚 impacts specifically on properties that are on or qualify for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. .

According to NSF, informal outreach efforts by NSF on Hawaiʻi Island began in August 2020 and formally concluded in November 2021. Meetings were held with approximately 150 people regarding perspectives on TMT and astronomy on Maunakea. NSF also received 140 written comments during this timeframe.

for more information on scheduled public meetings or to submit comments.

Following a review of project activities shared by (TIO) with the University of Hawaiʻi, 糖心Vlog官方 notified the (DLNR) on April 28, 2021, that work/construction on the TMT project was initiated in 2019 based on project activities in June and July of that year. DLNR has confirmed that this requirement has been satisfied.

This notification to DLNR is required by the Conservation District Use Permit issued by the Board of Land and Natural Resources in September 2017. The project activities in June and July of 2019 included removal of unpermitted structures; onsite GPS verification of locations and coordinates; construction kick-off meeting with civil contractor and subcontractors to review procedures, safety protocols and other related items; locating and surveying onsite underground fiber optic and electrical lines; inspections of TIO construction equipment for invasive species; and the mobilization of 18 vehicles and equipment to the worksite.

The mobilization of vehicles and equipment in July 2019 was blocked for several months by opponents of the project. The work was unable to continue due to factors beyond the control of 糖心Vlog官方 and the project. Future activity has not been announced by TIO.

The University of Hawaiʻi acknowledges the reduction of state law enforcement presence on Maunakea initiated by Governor David Ige today. These past months have been difficult for everyone, and we deeply hope this provides a period of reflection for all to continue to seek a positive, peaceful and non-violent path forward on Maunakea and for Hawaiʻi.

糖心Vlog官方 continues to support the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) as part of a positive future for modern world-class astronomy on Maunakea, as we also embrace the decommissioning of multiple telescopes on the mauna and the commitments to stewardship, education and culture embedded in the permit conditions for the TMT and the resolutions of our Board of Regents.

糖心Vlog官方 believes that Maunakea is a place of inspiration, awe and spirituality for many where modern astronomy can and should coexist synergistically with traditional knowledge and culture to advance all the people of Hawaiʻi and the world.

I fully recognize that some Hawaiians consider Maunakea to be so sacred that it should not be the home for TMT or any modern observatory. For them, this sacredness outweighs any benefits of modern astronomy to human knowledge, scientific inspiration and discovery, education, or high-quality jobs. Thousands of Hawaiians and others have raised voices in opposition, and I am sorry for the pain that 糖心Vlog官方鈥檚 support of TMT and astronomy on Maunakea has caused.

At the same time, some Hawaiians and others have shared that they consider the study of astrophysics, the beginnings of the universe and the origins of mankind, to be the most spiritual of endeavors. Some consider the fact that Maunakea is the best site in the world for astronomical observation to be a gift to the people who were the best naked eye astronomers of their day—the Polynesians who first settled here after navigating to these most isolated of islands using their knowledge of the stars along with the ocean and winds, the clouds and the birds.

I am personally inspired by amazing collaborations over these past few years in which astronomers have been working together with cultural and language experts and educators: the connections being explored between modern astrophysics and the Kumulipo; the Maunakea Scholars Program through which Hawaiʻi high school students on every island are developing research proposals and answering their own questions using the best telescopes in the world; and Hawaiian-speaking students who have engaged with experts in ʻ艒lelo Hawaiʻi and astronomy to create new Hawaiian names for celestial bodies discovered in Hawaiʻi. These inspiring synergies show us the possibilities, and they are examples of collaborations that take place nowhere else on earth.

The university will also continue to strengthen our stewardship of Maunakea, which has become exemplary after the missteps of the first decades. The resolution adopted by the 糖心Vlog官方 Board of Regents in November 2019 commits us to redouble our efforts to accelerate decommissioning, to streamline our internal management model, to explore new collaborative approaches to stewardship and management, and to advance education and culture on the mauna.

We must also acknowledge that TMT and even Maunakea are not the sole root causes of the deep turmoil that Hawaiʻi has faced over these last months, including the reawakening of many to the need for justice. The historic wrongs against Native Hawaiians have resulted in many problems that have been intractable thus far: Hawaiian health disparities, shorter life spans, increased houselessness, lower educational attainment, economic inequality, increased incarceration rates and more. There is also much work ahead to help ensure and advance the revitalization and normalization of ʻ艒lelo Hawaiʻi and to bring back to the fore the wisdom of those who lived so sustainably in our islands prior to western contact. And we have yet to resolve complex policy issues around Hawaiian Home Lands, ceded lands and our ability to make difficult decisions as a community about complex projects.

糖心Vlog官方 must bring our consequential capacities to bear in collaboration with like-minded allies, whether opponents or supporters of TMT and astronomy, to address these many challenges and opportunities for Native Hawaiians and Hawaiʻi. At the same time, we have substantial work ahead on our campuses to advance healthy climates that ensure equity and respect among our incredibly diverse communities of students, faculty and staff of different backgrounds. practices and beliefs. We can and must be welcoming to all.

As we enter this holiday season and the beginning of a new decade, we celebrate, congratulate and honor our recent graduates. I hope we can all reflect on our opportunities as part of the University of Hawaiʻi, the institution that more than any other can lead the way to a better future for our islands and all who call Hawaiʻi home.

David Lassner, President
University of Hawaiʻi

“The task of ethics within the context of civil disobedience is to open up the realm of thinking about one鈥檚 values and viewpoints,” said Associate Professor of Philosophy Celia Bardwell-Jones.

糖心Vlog官方 Hilo philosophy and business faculty held a public symposium in September titled, “Do We Have an Obligation to Obey the Law?: Civil Disobedience in a Global Context.”

Brief talks were presented by philosophy professors Bardwell-Jones, Chris Lauer and Tim Freeman, as well as Benjamin Zenk, instructor of business management and ethics. The catalyst for the discussion was the ongoing protests of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) on Maunakea. Speakers addressed the history and ethical dimensions of civil disobedience and other nonviolent practices.

“The ethical question we are going to attempt to answer today is, ‘Do we have a moral obligation to obey the law?’” said Bardwell-Jones. “If we don鈥檛 get an answer, we hope that we leave you with more questions that we hope that you can then reflect on later. The task of ethics within the context of civil disobedience is to open up the realm of thinking about one鈥檚 values and viewpoints. Civil disobedience encourages us to reflect on standards of justice that we may take for granted. Just because it is the law, is it moral?”

She added, “I would like to first acknowledge and recognize the efforts of civil disobedience that are occurring on the mauna currently. We believe that this is the perfect practice and expression of civil disobedience that is happening right now so close to home. As a department we have little epistemic authority or credibility to speak about the ethics of civil disobedience compared to the rich knowledge that is happening on the mauna. We would like to recognize that knowledge production.”

History of civil disobedience

Freeman, who has visited the mauna several times during the protest, spoke on the history of civil disobedience and on the Hawaiian concept of kapu aloha, a code of conduct demanding restraint, empathy and respect. He contrasted his experiences at the tumultuous 1999 World Trade Organization protests in Seattle with his time at Maunakea. “I am impressed by what is going on up at the mauna,” he said. “Whatever you think of the issue, I think we all have to say their commitment to kapu aloha and nonviolence training sessions are impressive.”

Freeman explained that the point of nonviolent civil disobedience is to draw the public鈥檚 attention to an issue. He cited Henry David Thoreau鈥檚 1848 essay on civil disobedience, which argues that an individual has the duty to disobey unjust laws. Martin Luther King Jr., in his letter from a Birmingham jail, argued that civil disobedience should be nonviolent, and those who engage in it should be willing to pay the penalty of disobeying the law and going to jail. Doing this shows respect for the law without agreeing with the law.

“The whole point of civil disobedience is not to overthrow the state but to raise awareness about the issue to the public so the issue can be addressed,” said Freeman. “What has been going on up at the mauna has made people really think more deeply and reexamine the issue, which I think is broader or bigger than just science versus religion. It is about our whole way of being now that we are facing the crisis of our time with climate change and our relationship to the earth.”

Jimmy Naniʻole, one of the 38 k奴puna who were arrested for blocking the road at the initial protests, spoke during the question and answer period and thanked the speakers for participating. “I want to thank all of you for sharing the philosophical basis for why the mauna is so important not only to Hawaiʻi it is important to every Indigenous and native people of the world,“ says Naniʻole. “I don鈥檛 think there is a person in this room who doesn鈥檛 have an indigenous or native connection. Whether you are from Ireland or Africa. We are all one and the same.”

The symposium was co-sponsored by the Mokaulele Program, the chancellor鈥檚 offices and at , the Hawaiʻi Island Philosophy Club, the and the .

—By Leah Sherwood, a 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo tropical conservation biology and environmental science graduate student

The start of the fall semester not only marked the first day of classes, but for a group of students, it marked day one of a sit-in protest at Bachman Hall on the campus. This is the latest in a long line of sit-in protests at Bachman that date back to the late 1960s.

The students say they are affirming their commitment to protect Maunakea and their opposition to the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) on the summit of Maunakea.

They have been hosting ʻAha (ceremony) three times a day at Ke Ahu o Wise, the altar on the lawn fronting Bachman Hall that was first raised in 2015 in response to the TMT conflict. Bamboo structures honoring the 38 kupuna arrested while blocking the access road to Maunakea on July 17, 2019, have been placed around the altar.

“We as students can make a difference,” said Beau Shishido, a 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi graduate student and one of the sit-in organizers. “It鈥檚 about holding administration, the university accountable. Research conducted by the University of Hawaiʻi should not be at the expense of Hawaiian religion, culture, or people.”

Students have been holding the university accountable by occupying Bachman Hall for 50 years with sit-ins in 1968, 1995, 2005 and 2006.

It all began in 1968

In 1968, there was a 10-day student and faculty sit-in protesting the Vietnam War and the denial of tenure for a political science professor who had served as advisor of an anti-war student group.

It lasted for days while hundreds of students and faculty camped out inside the building as well as on the front lawn. During the protest, students even renamed the Bachman “Liberation Hall.” Even though several students were arrested, 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 Emeritus Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Diversity Amy Agbayani remembers the teach-in, as she also refers to it, as peaceful and non-violent.

“The sit-in at Bachman was an educational movement for students and the community who weren鈥檛 aware of the issues and facts surrounding the anti-war movement and academic freedom at the time,” said Agbayani, then a political science graduate student. “It was well-organized, and we had good face-to-face communication with then administrator Robert Potter, who would come down and talk with us one-on-one.”

Bachman sit-in history

In 1995, faculty staged a teach-in and march on the front lawn of Bachman Hall challenging a $9 million state appropriation cut proposed by then Governor Ben Cayetano that would endanger 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 programs.

The 2005 sit-in lasted seven days when hundreds of students, faculty and supporters occupied the president鈥檚 office on the second floor of Bachman Hall protesting the proposed University Affiliated Research Center that would receive $50 million funding from the United States Navy. Protestors worried the university would engage in classified military research and lead to an increased military presence in Hawaiʻi.

The March and April 2006 protest at Bachman Hall was in opposition to 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources patenting three varieties of hybridized Hawaiian taro. Protestors cited the cultural significance of taro and said that 糖心Vlog官方 did not own the rights to it nor should it profit from it.

There have been other demonstrations that have taken place at Bachman Hall over the years as well, according to long-time campus community members.

“A good tradition”

Agbayani says sit-ins at Bachman are a good tradition that creates an educational opportunity for both sides to talk, as well as draw community support. She added, “The point of a demonstration is to start the conversation, start talking, even though both sides may not always agree.”

糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 student Tiele-Lauren Doudt, one of the organizers of the TMT sit-in protest, believes the current sit-in is the longest in Bachman驶s history. It驶s a tradition she plans to support after she graduates.

“Who knows, perhaps one day when we become k奴puna, there will be a new generation of students rising to address 糖心Vlog官方 and state agendas,” said Doudt. “If or when that ever happens, we will join them here at Bachman, to let them know that they are not alone in the struggle for justice.”

The University of Hawaiʻi (BOR) is expected to consider a motion to “Appoint a Permitted Interaction Group to Investigate Issues and Make Recommendations Related to Maunakea Governance.” The item is on the BOR鈥檚 August 2 agenda. [Editor’s note, 8/2/2019: The board approved the appointment of the Permitted Interaction Group.] The meeting will be held at 9 a.m. in the 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa Information Technology Building, first floor conference room 105A/B. Other items under consideration, following the election of the new board leadership last month, are new committee structures and related proposed amendments to policies and bylaws.

The full board is being asked to consider the appointment of the permitted interaction group, which would be tasked to investigate issues related to the university鈥檚 stewardship and governance activities on Maunakea. The group would then make findings and recommendations regarding the development of a statement expressing principles supported by the BOR as pertains to Maunakea, in addition to those articulated in the Resolution Affirming Commitment to the Collaborative Stewardship of Maunakea鈥檚 Cultural, Natural, Educational and Scientific Resources, adopted by the BOR on August 24, 2017.

The Sunshine Law governing open public meetings allows a board to appoint a group consisting of less than a quorum of its members to investigate matters for the board. The appointment of the group and designation of its assigned task must be done at a public board meeting. This will occur at the August 2 BORmeeting. After the group undertakes its assigned task, its findings and recommendations must be presented to the board at a public meeting, and the board cannot act on any recommendations until a subsequent public meeting. Thus, the process to create a permitted interaction group, receive its report on its work, and take action of any recommendations will occur in three separate public meetings, with the opportunity for public review and input.

All written testimony on agenda items received up to 24 hours in advance of the meeting will be distributed to the board. Late testimony on agenda items will be distributed to the board within 24 hours of receipt. Written testimony may be submitted via U.S. mail, email at bor.testimony@hawaii.edu or facsimile at (808) 956-5156. Individuals submitting written testimony are not automatically signed up for oral testimony. Registration for oral testimony on agenda items will be provided at the meeting location 15 minutes prior to the meeting and closed once the meeting begins. Oral testimony is limited to three (3) minutes. All written testimony submitted are public documents. Therefore, any testimony that is submitted verbally or in writing, electronically or in person, for use in the public meeting process is public information.

Aloha, and apologies for the length of this message.

On Sunday I was fortunate to visit Maunakea at the invitation of some of our 糖心Vlog官方 Hawaiian leaders. I wanted to witness what is happening there for myself. I was grateful to exchange warm greetings and aloha with the kupuna there that day, most of whom have been colleagues for many years. Throughout my short visit, I was privileged to experience the gracious spirit of those I encountered. I also witnessed tremendous resolve.

I know that many of you have been seeking a response to the messages you have sent me both individually and collectively. Thank you, and please know that I have read every one. These messages share some common themes:

• There is vehement opposition to the building of TMT on Maunakea by hundreds of 糖心Vlog官方 community members and many more in the wider community for a variety of reasons.
• There is also substantial support to proceed with construction.
• There was serious concern about the Emergency Proclamation made by Governor Ige as it relates to the health and safety of 糖心Vlog官方 students, employees and other community members on Maunakea.
• Astronomers and observatory staff are extremely concerned about their lack of access to the current observatories and the future of astronomy on Maunakea.

I believe a number of recent events are moving us in a peaceful direction that is positive for all the people of Hawaiʻi.

• Yesterday Mayor Kim shared comments about his meeting late last week with Native Hawaiian leaders from across the community. They have agreed to continue to work together to try and find a peaceful resolution.
• All parties on the mauna have agreed to the installation of a traffic light at the intersection of the highway and Mauna Kea Access Road. This is a positive step forward for the safety of all on the mauna and for all on Hawaiʻi Island who use the highway.
• Progress has been made toward improving access to the mauna by both cultural practitioners and workers other than astronomers. It is our hope that routine shared access can be restored soon for all.
• Today the State approved a request 糖心Vlog官方 submitted on behalf of TMT to extend the construction start deadline. I believe that the pressure of a deadline, which was largely arbitrary due to extenuating circumstances such as completion of legal processes, has not been helpful in trying to resolve this extraordinarily complex situation. Although the removal of this deadline gives us more time to work together toward peaceful resolution, I acknowledge that some members of our community will be upset.
• Since there are no imminent plans to move the TMT construction equipment up the mauna, Governor Ige has now lifted the Emergency Proclamation. This follows the departure from Maunakea of police officers from Honolulu and Maui.

I still believe in the educational, inspirational and scientific benefits that TMT and modern world-class astronomy can bring to the people of Hawaiʻi. I realize that TMT now represents a huge source of friction in our work to become a model indigenous-serving university and Hawaiian Place of Learning. We will need many conversations over the months ahead to work on that together. My heart and mind are open as I continue to listen and share.

Let me close with my biggest concern: we need to keep the fabric of our university from being torn apart. In a time of differing opinions, points of view, historical understandings, and lived experiences, we can learn from each other and ultimately strengthen our community. I am committed to accomplishing this with you.

Aloha,
David Lassner
President

Construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea begins today:
(Read more about the beginning of construction.)

Members of our campus communities and the general public have had different reactions and responses to this announcement. At all the University of Hawaiʻi campuses, we are steadfast in our mission of challenging students to reach their highest level of achievement by inspiring learning, discovery and creativity inside and outside the classroom. This means we must all embrace opportunities to have empathetic discussions about our disparate opinions, including those that oppose decisions made by the university and state.

We stand committed to the free and open exchange of ideas and affirm the rights of members of our community to engage in free speech and expression guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the Constitution of the State of Hawaiʻi. 糖心Vlog官方 has a clear and impressive history of diverse ideas, opinions and world views being expressed in different ways by members of our on-campus and extended community. We recognize that the issue of Maunakea and the construction of the TMT has and will continue to draw many into an open exchange of ideas and we encourage such dialogue in ways that are safe and respectful of different perspectives.

The safety of our faculty, staff and students is paramount. This includes emotional, intellectual and physical safety. 糖心Vlog官方 provides support services for these situations, and those who experience emotional trauma or stress regarding this issue or any other issue should reach out to campus support services. Those who experience intimidation or harassment should contact on campus security and/or administration.

We commend those who have engaged in peaceful and non-disruptive protection of the things they hold dear and demonstration against things they oppose. In particular, we have been inspired by the Kapu Aloha that has been called for on the mauna. In anticipation of further peaceful demonstrations, 糖心Vlog官方 has developed guidelines for faculty and staff, including student employees, with information in the event they encounter forms of expression that may alarm them or prevent them from accessing or leaving their place of employment.

As our state’s only public higher education system, 糖心Vlog官方 has a deep responsibility to provide high-quality affordable education to advance our people, our communities and our islands. That mission requires that we support and celebrate peaceful dialogue, diverse perspectives and critical analysis, as we continue our work in teaching, learning, scholarship and service. Mahalo for all you do to contribute to this vibrant campus!

Aloha,
糖心Vlog官方 Leadership

Gov. David Ige and the Thirty Meter Telescope International Observatory announced on July 10 that construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) will begin next week. The Department of Transportation announced lane and road closures associated with large equipment movement that could begin July 15.

TMT will be constructed on Hawaiʻi-managed lands on Maunakea located in the conservation district regulated by the Board of Land and Natural Resources. On June 19, 2019, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) issued a notice to proceed to 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo for the TMT project. The permit was issued after DLNR confirmed the completion of the pre-construction conditions and mitigation measures required of the project in the Conservation District Use Permit.

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The University of Hawaiʻi invites the public to provide feedback on the latest draft of the proposed administrative rules to govern public and commercial activities on 糖心Vlog官方 -managed lands on Maunakea [Chapter 20-26, Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules]. The administrative rules are an essential resource management tool for public and commercial activities on 糖心Vlog官方-managed lands on Maunakea.

To learn more about how to obtain a copy of the rules and how to submit comments, . The notice provides several methods to allow interested persons the opportunity to submit data, views or arguments, orally or in writing, on the current draft by mail, online or at four public hearings on three islands:

• Monday, June 3, 2019, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 惭腻苍辞补 Elementary School, 3155 惭腻苍辞补 Road, Honolulu, HI 96822
• Tuesday, June 4, 2019, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Wai膩kea Elementary School, 180 W. Puainako Street, Hilo, HI 96720
• Wednesday, June 5, 2019, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Waikoloa Elementary and Middle School, 68-1730 Hoʻoko Street, Waikoloa, HI 96738
• Friday, June 7, 2019, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Pōmaikaʻi Elementary School, 4650 S. Kamehameha Avenue, Kahului, HI 93732

During this second formal hearing process, submissions will be received from Sunday, April 28, 2019, through Friday, June 7, 2019 (the last noticed public hearing). All oral and timely submitted written submissions related to the draft rules will be considered.

• The current draft of the rules can be found on the (select “proposed”)

This second round of public hearings is the latest step in the development of the rules. Following initial public outreach and consultations, the first round of four public hearings was held in September 2018 on Hawaiʻi Island, Maui and Oʻahu. A revised draft was prepared based on the comments and concerns received during those public hearings. That revised draft was then shared with stakeholder groups and the public during a three-month, informal outreach process that started in January 2019. The current draft of the rules includes revisions based on comments received during this informal outreach process. On April 18, 2019, the 糖心Vlog官方 Board of Regents approved having a second round of public hearings on this version.

The university has received hundreds of written and oral comments and suggestions during the formal and informal processes to date, and this input significantly shaped the latest draft. The public is strongly encouraged to continue to participate in the process.

Based on this round of formal public hearings, the rules may be further refined and brought back before the 糖心Vlog官方 regents in a publicly noticed meeting currently anticipated for July 18, 2019. At that time, the 糖心Vlog官方 regents would have a range of possible actions including: approve the rules provided there are no substantial changes; request a third round of formal public hearings on new draft rules that are substantially changed from the current draft; or defer decision-making. Further public testimony will be accepted at that meeting. If approved by the regents, the rules will proceed through the remainder of the administrative rules process to the governor for final review and approval.

Editor’s note: The Board of Regents approved the second round of public hearings at their April 18, 2019 meeting.

The University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents is being requested to approve a second round of public hearings on a new draft of proposed administrative rules for Maunakea on Hawaiʻi Island. The administrative rules are an essential resource management tool for public and commercial activities on 糖心Vlog官方-managed lands on Maunakea. The regents will take up the request at their April 18 meeting at Leeward Community College.

The initial draft of the rules was the subject of the first round of public hearings in September 2018 on Hawaiʻi Island, Maui and Oʻahu. Based on concerns expressed about the initial draft at those public hearings, a revised draft was prepared. Among the issues addressed in the revised draft were concerns regarding Native Hawaiian traditional and customary rights, limits on the use of cell phones and flashlights, permit requirements for large groups and public assemblies, and allowing only four-wheel drive vehicles above Halep艒haku, the mid-level facility.

That revised draft was utilized during three-month informal consultation process that included meetings with stakeholder groups and an opportunity for the public to submit comments. In addition to direct outreach, approximately 108 written comments were received, in addition to approximately 140 responses from a third-party, online petition. These comments from the informal consultation were utilized to prepare the new draft.

The university is now proposing to hold a second series of four public hearings on the new draft administrative rules. These hearings would also be in Hilo and Waikoloa on Hawaiʻi Island; in Kahului on Maui and in Honolulu. The public is strongly encouraged to continue to participate in the process, as all testimony will be taken into consideration as the rules are finalized.

• Memo: Approval to hold second hearings on Maunakea administrative rules (PDF) If you require this report in an alternate format, email news@hawaii.edu

The purpose of the proposed rules (under Section 20-26-1) is to “provide for the proper use, management, and protection of cultural, natural, and scientific resources of the 糖心Vlog官方 management areas; to promote public safety and welfare by regulating public and commercial activity within the 糖心Vlog官方 management areas; to ensure safe and appropriate access to the 糖心Vlog官方 management areas for the public; and to foster co-management with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Land and Natural Resources and 糖心Vlog官方.”

If the request is approved, public hearings are expected to be planned for early June. The rules will then be updated if necessary and be brought back before the 糖心Vlog官方 Board of Regents for consideration at a publicly noticed meeting where further public testimony will be accepted. If approved by the Board of Regents at that time, the rules will proceed through the remainder of the Administrative Rules process to the governor for final review and approval.

More than 200 students, faculty and staff from various Oʻahu-based University of Hawaiʻi campuses, and their supporters, affirmed their commitment to protect Maunakea and their opposition to the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) on the summit of Maunakea, at a December 5 news conference on the 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa campus. The group called upon 糖心Vlog官方 President David Lassner, the 糖心Vlog官方 Board of Regents and the TMT corporation to terminate any and all agreements for the construction of TMT.

“As the university community, we should oppose research that severely compromises the work already done to build an ethical relationship between the academy and our community in Hawaiʻi, and that undermines the 糖心Vlog官方 goal to become a model Indigenous-serving institution,” said 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa Political Science Department Chair Noelani Goodyear-Kaʻōpua in a news release announcing the press conference.

“The policy and practice of 糖心Vlog官方 must begin to prioritize the protection of the Mauna’s natural and cultural resources, respect the protectors and Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, and begin to heal the degradation that has already occurred,” added 糖心Vlog官方 Mānoa Hawaiian Studies Department Chair Konia Freitas.

In response, 糖心Vlog官方 spokesman Dan Meisenzahl said university leadership is listening.

“We may disagree about TMT but we do not disagree about the importance of better stewardship,” said Meisenzahl.

• More on 糖心Vlog官方 stewardship of Maunakea

The group is also urging 糖心Vlog官方 leadership to reject the current proposed Maunakea Administrative Rules, claiming they would restrict Native Hawaiian spiritual and customary practices and criminalize those seeking to protect and sustain the mountain. The draft of the administrative rules is currently being amended based on feedback received during four public hearings held earlier this year. A second round of public hearings is expected to be held in early 2019 to solicit further feedback.

“We strongly encourage everyone to continue to participate in this process,” said Meisenzahl. “It is important to note that the proposed rules do not provide for criminal sanctions and do not prohibit Hawaiian customary practices. They are meant to protect cultural and natural resources from certain public activities, and to help ensure public health and safety.”

President made his report to the at their meeting on November 15, 2018.

Highlights include:

• 糖心Vlog官方 part of national push to improve college access, equity and outcomes ()
• Award to promote Hawaiʻi Promise, finishing degrees and recruit returning adults ()
• Important breast cancer clinical trials ()
• TMT decision and continued commitment to stewardship of Maunakea ()
• New contracts and signing authority policy ()
• A new beginning with the 糖心Vlog官方 Foundation ()
• New 糖心Vlog官方 Foundation CEO ()
• Approach to real estate and public-private partnerships ()
• Title III evaluation and successes ()
• Hawaiian language Moana DVD release ()

View previous reports to the board.

Gov. David Ige and leaders of the University of Hawaiʻi, the Department of the Attorney General and the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DNLR) thanked the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court for its thorough review of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea, and the decision that was handed down today.

“The high court reviewed thousands of pages of documents and testimony over many years, so it鈥檚 difficult to imagine the monumental task the justices had in reaching this decision,” said Gov. Ige. “We鈥檙e pleased the court carefully considered and weighed all the varied and passionate testimony about TMT. We believe this decision is fair and right and will continue to keep Hawaiʻi at the forefront of astronomy.”

“The University of Hawaiʻi is pleased with the state Supreme Court鈥檚 decision to approve the conservation district use permit for the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project,” said 糖心Vlog官方 President David Lassner. “We will ensure that this project is accomplished appropriately and with deepest respect for the awesomeness of Maunakea. TMT will not only represent a major advance in humankind鈥檚 knowledge of the universe, it will have tremendously positive educational and economic impacts for the people of Hawaiʻi Island and the entire state. 糖心Vlog官方 stands fully committed to collaborative stewardship that demonstrates Maunakea as an inspiring and harmonious global model for culture, education, the environment and groundbreaking scientific discovery.”

“We are gratified that the Supreme Court affirmed the Board of Land and Natural Resources鈥� decision on the Thirty Meter Telescope conservation district use permit,” said DNLR Chair Suzanne Case. “This has been a very long process, and I want to thank Judge Amano and the Land Board members for their careful diligence in ensuring all voices were heard and considered, the law was applied correctly, and the process was followed fairly. DNLR, as the landowners and conservation district regulators on Maunakea, will continue to work closely with 糖心Vlog官方 on next steps to move this project forward.”

“The TMT case has wound its way through a drawn out legal process for many years and it鈥檚 good to see it come to a successful resolution. The state has a responsibility to follow and apply the appropriate laws and the justices clearly agreed that this is precisely what happened in this case,” said Attorney General Russell Suzuki.

TMT must now submit construction plans to the DNLR Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands for review and approval. The decision also requires the state to follow the Maunakea Comprehensive Management Plan which includes attention to cultural protocols and training.

—From a governor鈥檚 office news release

Editor’s note: The University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents unanimously approved the request to revise certain provisions in the current draft of the proposed administrative rules that will govern public and commercial activities on 糖心Vlog官方-managed lands on Maunakea at the board驶s October 18 monthly meeting. The revised rules will then be subject to additional consultation followed by a request to the board conduct a second round of public hearings on the revised proposed rules.

The University of Hawaiʻi administration is asking the 糖心Vlog官方 Board of Regents to approve a request to revise certain provisions in the current draft of the proposed administrative rules that will govern public and commercial activities on 糖心Vlog官方-managed lands on Maunakea preparatory to additional consultation and a request to conduct a second round of public hearings on the revised proposed rules. The regents will consider this request at their October 18 monthly meeting on the 糖心Vlog官方 惭腻苍辞补 campus.

The revisions are being made in response to testimony received at four public hearings held on Hawaiʻi Island, Maui and Oʻahu in September, where 92 people testified. The university also received a total of 406 written submissions during the public hearing process.

If this request is approved, the university administration will revise the proposed rules based on the testimony provided and then consult on the updated draft with the Maunakea Management Board (MKMB), Kahu K奴 Maunathe Native Hawaiian advisory board for MKMB, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Following that consultation, the revised version of the rules would be brought back to the Board of Regents with a request to engage in a second round of public hearings.

The second round of public hearings will present the revised version of the rules to the public for written and oral testimony. If the Board of Regents approves the rules after the second round of public hearings, the rules will proceed through the administrative rule making process to the governor for final action.

“Close to 500 people and organizations provided testimony and important feedback on the proposed rules during the public hearing process, and we intend to make changes based on those comments once we receive approval from the board,” said 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo Chancellor Marcia Sakai. “This is the process that we are committed to, and it is not yet over. We hope that the public continues to participate so the result is a set of rules that will provide us with the best possible framework to manage public and commercial activities on Maunakea.”

Students and researchers in the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo are celebrating the installation of 12 new high-end desktops and monitors, along with a new data processing and storage Linux computer system, thanks to a donation by the .

The TMT donation totals more than $28,000 in equipment, supporting the replacement of 10 aged computers purchased in 2010 that no longer met department needs.

“Previous small hard drives and slow processors made for slow going,” said , an educational specialist in the department within the Natural Sciences Division. “And with the age of the computers at eight years, we worried that they might start to fail.”

Coney emailed Sandra Dawson, TMT鈥檚 community outreach coordinator, explaining that the 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo physics and astronomy computer lab was out of date.

“We value this department and we understand the need for a good computer lab,” said Dawson. “I told John to tell us how much it would be to make it a functional lab. He gave us an estimate and my manager quickly approved.”

The new computers and the dual Xeon 12tb data processing server are the only dedicated Linux lab on campus. It is an operating system used by astronomy and physics scientists; the majority of the world uses Linux as a server operating system platform.

“The updated lab will aid in promoting cutting edge physics and astronomy at 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo, both for physics and astronomy programming and computational projects,” said Coney.

.

—By Susan Enright

The University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents (BOR) today approved the appointments of six members of the community-based Maunakea Management Board (MKMB)—Roberta Chu, Julie Leialoha, Kep膩 Maly, Alapaki Nahale-a, Doug Simons and Barry Taniguchi.

The Mauna Kea Science Reserve Master Plan, approved by the BOR in June 2000, established MKMB, which is comprised of seven voting members representing the Hawaiʻi Island community. The 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo chancellor submits his/her recommendations for MKMB membership to the BOR for its consideration and approval. The two BOR members from Hawaiʻi Island also serve on the MKMB in a non-voting, ex-officio capacity. MKMB驶s current chair is Greg Chun.

New MKMB member biographies

Roberta Chu is a fifth-generation Hilo resident, graduate of Hilo High School and Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts. She currently serves as senior vice president and manager of Bank of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 Hawaiʻi Island Commercial Banking Center.

Julie Leialoha has an extensive career in natural resource management that began with an internship while attending high school at Kamehameha Schools in the mid-1970s. She currently serves as a program/project coordinator for the Hawaiʻi Cooperative Studies Unit. She has served on multiple boards, including the Conservation Council for Hawaiʻi, Papah膩naumoku膩kea Research Advisory Council, and Western Pacific Fisheries Management Council Native Hawaiian advisory group.

Kep膩 Maly is a Hilo resident who is principal of Kumu Pono Associates, LLC. He is a highly sought after and respected expert on historical and ethnographic studies who has served on many cultural heritage and natural resource management boards across the state.

Alapaki Nahale-a was born and raised in Hilo and is currently a senior director of regional strategies for Kamehameha Schools on Hawaiʻi Island. Prior to joining Kamehameha Schools, Nahale-a spent more than 20 years serving the community in a variety of roles including as the director and chairman of the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Trust.

Doug Simons has been the executive director of the Canada-France-Hawaiʻi Telescope on Maunakea since 2012. He is an astronomy veteran in Hawaiʻi, having spent most of his professional career either observing with or working for various Maunakea observatories.

Barry Taniguchi has been the president of KTA Super Stores since 1989 and has been its chairman and chief executive officer since 2014. Taniguchi serves as chair of Community First, and is on the Hawaiʻi Island Economic Development Board, and the boards of the Public Schools of Hawaiʻi Foundation, Lyman House Memorial Museum, Pacific Tsunami Museum, and Valley Isle Produce, among others.