UH requests public input on Mauna Kea land management

HAWAII (HawaiiNewsNow) - The University of Hawaii is asking for public input on proposed administrative rules for public and commercial activities on land its manages on Maunakea.

The current draft rules would prohibit camping, as well as construction or activities involving more than 10 people without a permit.

Another feature of the draft is a gate that may be installed to control roadway access and sledding, and other snow sports may be restricted to maintain public safety, and prevent damage to resources.

After the public proposal sessions, the rules will then go to the UH Board of Regents for a publicly noticed decision making meeting, that will also accept public testimony.

If approved at that point, the rules will proceed thru the Administrative Rules process to the governor for final review and approval.

The dates, times and locations that residents can have their voices heard about Mauna Kea land use are below:

Sept. 24, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sullivan Conference Center, UH Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo St., Oahu
Sept. 25, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, 600 Imiloa Pl., Big Island
Sept. 26, 6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., Waikoloa Elementary and Middle School, 68-1730 Hooko Street, Big Island
Sept. 28, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Ike Lea in Room 144, UH Maui College, 310 West Kaahumanu Ave., Maui

The public input sessions are one of four ways residents can submit their ideas about how the university system can manage the land. The other methods include an online submission at UH's government relations website, via email to uhhar@hawaii.edu, or in writing to the UH Government Relations Office.

"The administrative rules provide the university with an important stewardship tool to more effectively protect the cultural, natural and scientific resources on Maunakea and provide measures to better ensure public health and safety," said Marcia Sakai, interim chancellor of UH Hilo.