What's Being Discussed

Strategic Framework Adoption: The Board will consider adopting an overarching strategic plan to guide the Authority's work.
Hiring a New Executive Director: The Board will discuss setting up a small committee to screen and recommend candidates for the top staff position at MKSOA.
Maunakea Master Transfer Plan: A committee may be formed to work through the complex process of transferring management of Maunakea from the University of Hawaiʻi to MKSOA, including assets and responsibilities.
Advisory Groups Update: Staff member Bill Stormont will provide an update on advisory group activities.
Maunakea Master Plan Amendment: The Center for Maunakea Stewardship's Executive Director will report on updates to the University of Hawaiʻi's Maunakea Master Plan.
Financial Report: Staff will present the October financial report, covering the Authority's budget, spending, and remaining balances.

Decisions Expected

Vote to adopt the Strategic Framework for the Authority.
Vote to form a hiring committee (called a Permitted Interaction Group) to find and recommend an Executive Director, with Rich Matsuda, Pomai Bertelmann, and Bonnie Irwin as members.
Vote to form a second committee to oversee the Maunakea transfer process, with Neil Hannahs, Noe Noe Wong-Wilson, and Ben Kudo as members.
Approval of minutes from the October 8, 2026 meeting.

Who Should Pay Attention

Hawaiʻi Island residents and Native Hawaiian communities with interests in Maunakea stewardship
People interested in the transition of Maunakea management away from the University of Hawaiʻi
Anyone following the hiring of MKSOA leadership
Astronomy, conservation, and cultural advocacy groups