Should UH manage Mauna Kea's summit?

[TomK]

Jimbo - any background or links on the UH audit call you mention? I'm not familiar with the story. Thanks.

[Jimbo2017]

Kahele on declining enrollment - budget issues - http://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2017/0...nrollment/

Classes getting canceled due to budget cuts, Nov 2017, we were protesting at Kahele and Chris Todd's forum with the faculty, where the faculty were yelling at their administrators, it was a zoo! - http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/2017...n-funding/

This is Kahele behind forcing UHH to get Aviation (even though he says he wants faculty to push for programs that serve student needs, bottom-up leadership, since faculty know best... not being dictated to by 'bosses', yet here he goes requiring a program due to gov't meddling) - http://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2016/0...es-senate/

This was the updates on University Budgets for the Legislature as part of the outcome from the article mentioned above, wish this was recorded!!! - https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/gethearin...12/29/2017

Mauka Hilo-side

[TomK]

Thanks, Jimbo.

[TomK]

After almost universal opposition, SB3090 has been significantly amended. I've not had a chance to read the amended bill, but if Big Island Video News is reporting the changes accurately, it's already a no go.

http://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2018/0...l-changed/

"Kahele says further amendments include:

[...]

Each seat must be appointed according the following criteria:

1. Astronomy expert, not currently employed of an astronomy facility or IFA"

So, he doesn't want anyone from the current observatories involved, nor does he want anyone involved in any astronomy facility involved, no matter where it is. This opens up the door to anyone who calls themselves an astronomy expert in the same the Hawaii County Council allowed a yogic flying "expert" to testify about GMOs at the expense of actual scientists.

[Kapoho Joe]

No idea why a school would be in a position to manage any public lands. DLNR sounds like the right agency to oversee MK.

[rainyjim]

The UH doesn't manage public lands, the office of Mauna Kea management manages Mauna Kea.

Educate yourself!

[MarkD]

"No idea why a school would be in a position to manage any public lands...."

Agree. Nor should it be in any way involved and it appears that it is.

[rainyjim]

http://www.malamamaunakea.org

Above is the website for the management agency - for anyone that cares to learn more.

Even though the 'school' doesn't directly manage MK, I am interested in hearing your rationales for why it shouldn't - if you could please explain your opinion further than "it shouldn't" I would appreciate it!

Aloha mai kakou

[MarkD]

"I am interested in hearing your rationales...."

I admit to not having a strongly educated background on the subject, but normally a site like Mauna Kea would be administered by DLNR (perhaps as a state park) or made part of the National Park Service.

The extensive use of the mountain by astronomers (some of whom are UH-affiliated) does indeed call for heavy management input by astronomers.

But in the past decade we have has this big issue with the Hawaiians arise re mountain control. And now Mauna Kea is a prominent tourism site. For the long term, it seems to make sense for an agency experienced in managing lands for multiple interests to take control.

There might be valid objections as to why either agency (especially DLNR) is inadequate at this point. My argument is for say a 30-100 year time frame. JMO.

Some sources cite a heavy involvement of the UH, so much so that they headline it "Stewardship by UH...." I am not up to speed on the details, but that is what I am reading.

http://www.hawaiifreepress.com/ArticlesM...tions.aspx

[Kapoho Joe]

Considering Uh Hilo has been experiencing a serious slump in enrollment, I would like the school to focus on their core mission - attracting and educating the kids.