What's Being Discussed
The Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority (MKSOA) is holding its regular board meeting on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM at 640 N. Aʻohōkū Place in Hilo. Key topics include:

An emergency incident at Lake Waiau that occurred on August 30, 2026, which will be reviewed by the Center for Maunakea Stewardship.
Hiring updates for two leadership positions: the MKSOA Executive Director and the Canada France Hawaii Telescope Executive Director.
A proposed update to the University of Hawaiʻi Maunakea Master Plan, including how proposed changes relate to MKSOA's ongoing management responsibilities.
Progress on the Long-Term Transition Working Group's Master Transfer Plan, which outlines how management of Mauna Kea will shift to MKSOA.
An update on the Strategic Framework guiding the authority's work.
An August financial report covering the agency's budget and spending.

Decisions Expected

A vote to approve an Aspirational Statement required by state law (Act 255, SLH 2022).
A vote on the Long-Term Transition Working Group Master Transfer Plan.
A vote on proposed revisions to the UH Maunakea Master Plan.
Approval of the minutes from the August 13, 2026 meeting.

Who Should Pay Attention

Native Hawaiian communities with cultural ties to Mauna Kea
Astronomy and telescope organizations operating on the mountain
Environmental advocates concerned about the mountain's resources
Hawaiʻi Island residents interested in how Mauna Kea is managed

The public can attend in person, watch live on YouTube, or testify by phone or Zoom. Written testimony can be emailed to mka.testimony@hawaii.gov.