A plan for Mauna Kea. Prepared by Department of Land and Natural Resources. State of Hawaii, May 1976

Author:

Hawaii Dept. of Land and Natural Resources,

Title:

A plan for Mauna Kea. Prepared by Department of Land and Natural Resources. State of Hawaii, May 1976

Periodical:

Mauna Kea Plans

Year:

1976

Pages:

50 leaves : maps ;

Subject:

Mauna Kea planning Recreation areas Mauna Kea Environmental aspects Mauna Kea

Summary:

Mauna Kea has the distinction of being the tallest mountain in the world. It measures between 29,400 to 30,000 feet from the ocean floor to the summit. In recent years, its upper slopes have become focus for a variety of uses, some of which conflict with each other. The summit is recognized as one of the finest sites in the world for research astronomy. Its seasonally snow-covered slopes are utilized for skiing and snow-play, and more such use has been suggested. Below, between the 6,000-foot and 10,000-foot elevations, are native Hawaiian ecosystems, including rare plants and birds. Many species are found nowhere else in the world. Hunting of feral goats, sheep, pigs, and game birds has become a traditional use within and on the perimeter of the mamane/naio forest. General recreation, photography, and sightseeing are also becoming popular. This document is the result of planning efforts begun in early summer of 1975, and a direct outgrowth of the Mauna Kea Planning Study dated July 23, 1975. It contains background data, planning purpose, objectives, and a series of alternatives. These alternatives resulted from discussions on specific issues at a series of meetings by the Mauna Kea Plan Citizens Advisory Group and by the Mauna Kea Plan Coordinating Committee, which represented interest State agencies. The plan analyzes Mauna Kea's multi-faceted problems, unique resource values, and conflicting uses in order to create an orderly plan that will define appropriate uses, and recommend needed facilities and administrative procedures. The area included in the plan extends from the summit down to about the 6,000-foot elevation and encompasses all Conservation District land from the summit of Mauna Kea down to the Saddle Road. This includes the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve and Game Management Area, and the Kaohe Game Management Area. These are essentially the lands on upper Mauna Kea now managed by the State Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Collection:

EIS