Public feedback sought on second draft of proposed rules for Mauna Kea

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HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - University of Hawaii officials are asking the public for feedback on its second draft on proposed rules for Mauna Kea.

University officials say they made changes after reviewing comments from its initial public hearings in September 2018. Some of those changes include removing a rule that would have required permits to meet at the summit and prohibiting vehicles with two-wheel drive. Fines will be issued depending on the violation.

The list of changes can be found here.

The University is trying to come up with regulations to better manage public and commercial activities on lands it manages.

The public is being encouraged to attend four public meetings at the following dates and times:

• Monday, June 3, 2019, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Mānoa Elementary School, 3155 Mānoa Road, Honolulu

• Tuesday, June 4, 2019, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Waiākea Elementary School, 180 W. Puainako Street, Hilo

• Wednesday, June 5, 2019, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Waikoloa Elementary and Middle School, 68-1730 Hoʻoko Street, Waikoloa

• Friday, June 7, 2019, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Pōmaikaʻi Elementary School, 4650 S. Kamehameha Avenue, Kahului

Written comments are being accepted now until Friday, June 7. Comments can be submitted by email to UHHAR@hawaii.edu or by clicking here.

Based on this round of formal public hearings, the rules may be further refined and brought back before the University of Hawaii Board of Regents in a meeting expected for July 18, 2019. Further public testimony will be accepted at that meeting.

The regents will then be able to take one of the following actions:

1) approve the rules provided there are no substantial changes;

2) request a third round of formal public hearings on new draft rules that are substantially changed from the current draft; or,

3) defer decision-making.

If approved by the regents, the rules will proceed to the governor for final review and approval.