The original bill proposed three years for the transition which many saw as too short given the complicated situation. Five years seems a more realistic period, but then it makes the process of renewing the master lease much more uncertain and complicated. The current lease ends in 2033 and the observatories need to know well in advance of that date if the lease is renewed or not, since decommissioning planning needs to happen many years before 2033. On the other hand, if the lease renewal decision is made while the new Mauna Kea is being transferred it might limit what the new management system can do. For instance, if new subleases are agreed upon before 2028, the new management group wouldn't be able to change things after the fact.
It's all rather complicated and messy.
It's all rather complicated and messy.