The University of Hawaii (UH) is creating a new Maunakea Master Plan after the previous design reached its 20-year expiration date.
After completing a draft plan, the university is reaching out to the surrounding community for feedback on the idea, which outlines the use of the UH-managed Maunakea lands, according to Big Island Now.
“Everyone has a legitimate interest in what happens to these lands and how they are utilized," Center of Maunakea Stewardship Executive Director Greg Chun told the University of Hawaii News. "We strongly encourage everyone to play a role in this master plan’s development and tell us what they think.”
Key highlights of the plan include: developing a field station to support field studies maintaining Maunakea observatories, providing outlets for the community to provide feedback to assist in decision-making, supporting the UH Hilo Educational Telescope at Halepōhaku and fortification of UH’s commitment of up to nine operating astronomy facilities on Maunakea by December 31, 2033, according to University of Hawaii News.
The plan's goals aim to preserve the natural lands while maintaining a balance between recreational, cultural, environmental and scientific interests tied to the lands, specifically in the summit region, all while giving the Hawaiian community more ownership in the project.
The public can review the Draft Master Plan for the University of Hawaii Maunakea Lands and provide feedback through the website.
A virtual meeting has been planned for Wednesday, Oct. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. Additional information is set to be released on Monday, Sept. 20, University of Hawaii News reported.