Audit of the management of Mauna Kea and the Mauna Kea Science Reserve : a report to the Governor and the Legislature of the State of Hawaii

Author:

The Auditor, State of Hawaii

Title:

Audit of the management of Mauna Kea and the Mauna Kea Science Reserve : a report to the Governor and the Legislature of the State of Hawaii

Year:

1998

Pages:

v, 54 p.

Subject:

Astronomical observatories Mauna Kea Hawaii Dept. of Land and Natural Resources auditing Mauna Kea Science Reserve Management University of Hawaii at Manoa Institute for Astronomy Auditing

Summary:

Mauna Kea, located on the island of Hawaii, is the highest peak in the Pacific Basin and a distinctive state landmark. At 13,796 feet, Mauna Kea's summit is a unique and fragile environment that houses a number of rare and endemic species. Mauna Kea is also distinguished as having one of the best viewing conditions in the world for astronomical studies. Its dry air, high elevation, and small seasonal variations make it ideal to house some of the most powerful astronomical instruments in the world. Over the past thirty years, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and the University of Hawaii have attempted to balance the needs of protecting the mountain's natural environment with those of developing the mountain's terrain for astronomical studies. Pursuant to Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 109, Regular Session 1997, the State Auditor was requested to conduct an audit of the management of Mauna Kea and the Mauna Kea Science Reserve. The audit examines the efforts of the DLNR and the University of Hawaii at managing Mauna Kea and the Mauna Kea Science Reserve in light of development in astronomical facilities. The 2009 Final Environmental Assessment for the Mauna Kea Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP), states that 1998 audit found a number of deficiencies in the management of Mauna Kea by both the University and Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). "The audit charged that the University focused on developing astronomical facilities at the expense of protecting Mauna Kea's resources. With DLNR, the audit found inadequate monitoring and enforcement of permitting requirements, which put State resources at risk. Overall the audit found that although protection controls had been established by management plans, these controls were poorly implemented, leading to inadequate protection of cultural, historic, and natural resources (Office of the Legislative Auditor 1998)."

URL:

https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/occl/files/2018/01/Audit-Report-98-6.pdf

Collection:

Monographs