kalianna - I tried to explain this earlier in the thread. For the existing observatories, the problem is that there would be nothing done on the master lease until 2028 and it expires in 2033. The observatories would have to plan on decommissioning while trying to get their funding agencies to pay for future support and development without knowing if the observatories will be there or not. It's not a viable option. It takes many years from a decision to decommission an observatory to when it actually happens as we've already found out with the CSO and the UH 24-inch.
Inouye is correct when she said astronomy on the island would have to start from scratch if the bill is eventually passed. Hawaii's reputation for hosting observatories at one of the world's best astronomical sites will be destroyed, as well as its willingness to support any scientific work (watch out USGS) as well as many small businesses on the island that support the observatories. Schools will suffer because they will no longer have access to the observatory education programs and opportunities for local engineers and scientists will disappear while the island will lose a stable income of millions of dollars.
If you see a good side to the bill finally passing, please let me know what it is.
Inouye is correct when she said astronomy on the island would have to start from scratch if the bill is eventually passed. Hawaii's reputation for hosting observatories at one of the world's best astronomical sites will be destroyed, as well as its willingness to support any scientific work (watch out USGS) as well as many small businesses on the island that support the observatories. Schools will suffer because they will no longer have access to the observatory education programs and opportunities for local engineers and scientists will disappear while the island will lose a stable income of millions of dollars.
If you see a good side to the bill finally passing, please let me know what it is.