What's Being Discussed

This is a community workshop hosted by the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority (MKSOA), held at Laupāhoehoe Community Public Charter School on February 4, 2026, from 5:30–7:30 PM (doors open at 5:00 PM).

• Introduction to MKSOA and Kua o Wākea (KOW): A brief overview of both organizations and their roles.
• Background and history: How MKSOA was created by the Hawaii Legislature in 2022 (Act 255) to take over management of Mauna Kea's summit lands from the University of Hawaii.
• Facilitated community discussion: Residents are invited to share their mana'o (thoughts and input) to help shape how Mauna Kea will be managed — balancing cultural practices, the environment, education, and science.
• Q&A with MKSOA members: An open question-and-answer session with Authority members.

MKSOA has a five-year window to build a new state agency and adopt a Strategic Framework and Management Plan for Mauna Kea. These workshops are part of gathering community input before that plan is finalized.

Decisions Expected

No formal votes or binding decisions are expected at this workshop. This is a listening and input-gathering session. Community feedback collected here will help inform future planning decisions.

Who Should Pay Attention

• Residents of the Laupāhoehoe and Hāmākua Coast areas who want a voice in how Mauna Kea is managed.
• Native Hawaiian community members with cultural, spiritual, or ancestral connections to Mauna Kea.
• Educators, scientists, and environmentalists interested in the future balance of uses on the mountain.
• Anyone who wants to learn more about the transition to the new state authority.