The is seeking public input on the decommissioning of the ±á¨°ì¨± Keʻa telescope on the summit of Maunakea. The feedback will be used to develop a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and a Site Decommissioning Plan (SDP) required by the Maunakea for UH-managed lands. Decommissioning includes the deconstruction and removal of the telescope facility and the restoration of the site. The draft EA process requires that the public consider alternatives, a total of four in this case:
- No Action, or abandon in place
- Removal of all buildings and abandon in place foundations and utilities below existing grade
- Removal of all buildings and foundations, partial removal of utilities
- Complete removal of all buildings, foundations, and utilities
SSFM International Inc. has been retained, , and are asking the public to submit written comments by July 17:
SSFM International, Inc.
Attn: Jennifer Scheffel
99 Aupuni Street, Suite 202
Hilo, Â鶹´«Ã½ 96720
Or by email to: jscheffel@ssfm.com
There will be other opportunities for public feedback during the .
The Maunakea Management Board approved UH Hilo¡¯s Notice of Intent to decommission ±á¨°ì¨± Keʻa on February 18, 2020, with the condition that the university simultaneously proceed with the planning and permitting for a new educational telescope for UH Hilo students and the Â鶹´«Ã½ Island community. Planning and permitting for a new educational telescope is a separate process that will also include identifying a location.
±á¨°ì¨± Keʻa is one of the first two telescopes set to be decommissioned on UH-managed Maunakea lands. The decommissioning of ±á¨°ì¨± Keʻa is anticipated to be completed in mid-to-late 2023.
The decommissioning of the second Maunakea telescope, California Institute of Technology Submillimeter Observatory (CSO), is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2021 and the restoration of the site to be completed by mid-to-late 2022. CSO is currently drafting its site decommissioning plan.
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