Mauna Kea Plan's defects mean long battles ahead

Author:

Ho, Nelson

Title:

Mauna Kea Plan's defects mean long battles ahead

Periodical:

Hawaii Island Journal

Year:

2000

Pages:

5

Subject:

Astronomical observatories Mauna Kea controversy Mauna Kea Science Reserve

Summary:

This document describes four fundamental defects regarding unresolved issues that remained following the creation of a Mauna Kea Master Plan. These issues were with regard to telescope elements such as the Keck "outriggers" and Smithsonian "antennas" that were planned for construction atop Mauna Kea, public access restrictions that would begin in the year 2000, inadequate and unprofessional impact statements that were signed before the completion of the master plan, as well as the unresolved issue of user fees that would ensure environmental and cultural protections. It also describes five unanswered questions with regard to: who owns Mauna Kea, whether or not astronomers were going to admit to the potential damage that could be caused to the summit as a result of the planned Smithsonian arrays, whether or not the environmental laws that have been set by the United States would apply to the projects that were planned for Mauna Kea, whether or not the observatories would pay for user fees that would fund the protection of the summit, and if the opinions of the people of the island of Hawaii would have any merit regarding the use of laser beams on Mauna Kea.

Label:

Mauna Kea - Commentary

Date:

July 16-31, 2000.

Collection:

Periodicals