What's Being Discussed

The Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority (MKSOA) will hold its regular board meeting on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in Hilo. Key topics include:

• Updates on MKSOA staffing and recruiting efforts
• Progress on the Mauna Kea Management Plan
• Discussions with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) about the Mauna Kea Access Road
• A review of recent correspondence between University of Hawaiʻi leadership and MKSOA
• Status update on the Long-Term Transition Working Group
• Updates on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), administrative rulemaking, and a lease process workshop
• The June financial report and fiscal year-end budget summary
• An announcement of an upcoming personnel change

Decisions Expected

The board is expected to take a formal vote on one item:

• Approval of a site plan application for the Halepōhaku Educational Nature and Heritage Trail, proposed by the Center for Maunakea Stewardship (CMS)

The board may also enter closed (executive) session to consult with legal counsel on the Authority's powers and responsibilities.

Who Should Pay Attention

• Native Hawaiian communities with cultural ties to Mauna Kea
• Astronomy and science community members connected to telescopes on the mountain
• Hikers, researchers, and visitors who use Mauna Kea access roads and facilities
• University of Hawaiʻi stakeholders, given recent communications with MKSOA leadership
• Anyone interested in long-term management and environmental planning for Mauna Kea

The meeting is open to the public in person, via Zoom, or by phone. Written testimony can be submitted to mka.testimony@hawaii.gov.