Mauna Kea Science Reserve Master Plan. Adopted by the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents on June 16, 2000

Author:

Group 70 International,, University of Hawaiʻi,

Title:

Mauna Kea Science Reserve Master Plan. Adopted by the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents on June 16, 2000

Periodical:

Mauna Kea Plans

Year:

2000

Volume:

2 v.

Subject:

Astronomical observatories environmental aspects Environmental impact analysis Mauna Kea Mauna Kea Advisory Committee Mauna Kea Science Reserve Master Plan

Summary:

In 1998, in an effort to improve the management of the Mauna Kea Science Reserve and the facilities at Hale Pōhaku, and to assist with the planning of future development, the University created the Mauna Kea Advisory Committee. The Committee met from June 1998 through August 1999 and, with representatives from Group 70 International (consultant to the University), held a series of public meetings at various sites around the Island of Hawaiʻi to gather public input on a variety of matters, such as the management of Mauna Kea's resources and future development of observatories. Representatives from Group 70 also discussed with community members recommendations for a master plan. With consideration of the issues raised in the public meetings and the State audit, in 2000 the University released the Mauna Kea Science Reserve Master Plan, Group 70 International. The 2000 Master Plan called for 525 acres of the summit area leased land to be designated as an “Astronomy Precinct.” To help protect natural and cultural resources within the Science Reserve, and to protect the astronomy facilities from outside impacts, the 2000 Master Plan required that all astronomy facilities be confined to the Astronomy Precinct. A significant portion of the 2000 Master Plan is dedicated to what are referred to as “issues and opportunities for management.” These "issues and opportunities for management" include matters related to management authority, access, natural resources, cultural resources and practices, education and research, and recreation. The UH Board of Regents approved the 2000 Master Plan in June 2000. In the 2000 Master Plan, the University concluded that there was a need for a single entity to manage the comprehensive plan for the Science Reserve. The 2000 Master Plan calls for the management organization to be housed within the University system, and funded as an ongoing program unit of the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo (UH Hilo). In accordance with the 2000 Master Plan, the UH Hilo Chancellor established the Office of Mauna Kea Management (OMKM) on August 1, 2000. OMKM is the University office charged with ensuring compliance with, and implementation of, the 2000 Master Plan. In addition to OMKM, the 2000 Master Plan recommended the addition of a management board and an advisory board in order to include community involvement in the management of the Science Reserve. The 2000 Master Plan recommended that the management board be “composed of members representing the major stakeholders of Mauna Kea.” In fulfillment of this recommendation, the Mauna Kea Management Board (MKMB) was established. The MKMB is comprised of seven members appointed by the UH Board of Regents. Kahu Ku Mauna (Guardians of the Mountain), is appointed by the MKMB to serve as advisors to the OMKM, MKMB, and the UH Hilo Chancellor on all matters impacting the cultural integrity of Mauna Kea.

URL:

https://hilo.hawaii.edu/maunakea/documents/management/MasterPlan_MaunaKeaScienceReserve_2000.pdf

Collection:

EIS