Starlight Reserve Committee

The Starlight Reserve Committee works to advance Hawaii's efforts to designate areas with minimal light pollution — particularly on Maui and the Big Island — as International Dark Sky Places or starlight reserves, protecting Hawaii's world-class astronomical observation conditions and cultural connections to the night sky. The committee develops lighting ordinances, community outreach programs, and partnerships with observatories, municipalities, and landowners to reduce light pollution and preserve dark skies. Its work supports both scientific research and Native Hawaiian cultural practices tied to celestial navigation and astronomy.

Dark skies are a unique natural and cultural asset in Hawaii, and light pollution threatens both astronomical research on Mauna Kea and traditional Hawaiian knowledge systems. Residents, businesses, and communities can support dark sky initiatives by adopting compliant outdoor lighting and engaging with the committee's education programs.