Draft Environmental Assessment. University of Hawaiʻi 24-Inch Telescope Observatory Renovation. Mauna Kea Science Reserve, Hamakua, Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi. April 2006

Author:

Helber Hastert & Fee, Inc.

Title:

Draft Environmental Assessment. University of Hawaiʻi 24-Inch Telescope Observatory Renovation. Mauna Kea Science Reserve, Hamakua, Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi. April 2006

Periodical:

UH

Year:

2006

Subject:

Astronomical observatories environmental aspects Environmental impact analysis Telescopes University of Hawaiʻi 24-inch telescope observatory

Summary:

The National Science Foundation (NSF) proposes to fund the proposal made by the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo (UH Hilo) to replace a 24-inch (0.6 meter [m]) telescope with a new 36-inch (0.9 m) telescope. UH Hilo further proposes to renovate the observatory building using State funds. The Proposed Action would occur at the 420 square foot (sf) University of Hawaiʻi (UH) 24-inch Telescope Observatory and a proposed renovation lay-down area comprised of less than 20,000 sf immediately north and south of the observatory building ("Project Site"). The Mauna Kea Science Reserve (MKSR) is located at the summit of Mauna Kea volcano and ceded lands and is part of Tax Map Key 4-4-15:09. The observatory and optical telescope are owned by UH and managed by the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Institute for Astronomy. After the completion of the Proposed Action, the observatory and telescope would be managed by UH Hilo. This Environmental Assessment (EA) analyses and documents potential environmental consequences associated with the Proposed Action and foreseeable reasonable alternatives. If the analyses presented in the EA indicate that implementation of the Proposed Action would not result in significant environmental or socio-economic impacts, then a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) will be prepared. If significant environmental issues result that cannot be mitigated to insignificance, and Environmental Impact Statement will be prepared.

Collection:

EIS