Deadline approaches for input on decommissioning of Mauna Kea telescope

HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - Public input is being sought on how to decommission a University of Hawaii telescope on Mauna Kea.

The school is soliciting written testimony in regards to UH Hilo’s Hoku Kea.

The 24-foot educational telescope is already in the decommissioning process, but UH wants to know the public’s preference in order to develop a draft environmental assessment and a site decommissioning plan.

The draft EA process requires the public to consider alternatives.

The four options include:

No action or abandon in place
Removal of all buildings and abandon in place foundations and utilities below existing grade
Removal of all buildings and foundations, partial removal of utilities
Complete removal of all buildings, foundations, and utilities

The EA and SDP are required by the Maunakea Comprehensive Management Plan.

The deadline to submit testimony is July 17.

Hard-copy letters can be sent to: SSFM International, Inc.; Attention: Jennifer Scheffel; 99 Aupuni Street, Suite 202; Hilo, Hawaii 96720. Or you can email your input to jscheffel@ssfm.com.

The Hoku Kea is among five Mauna Kea telescopes the University of Hawaii is decommissioning.