BLNR hosts hearing on proposed Advanced Technology Solar Telescope TONIGHT August 26

The Board of Land and Natural Resources, Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands, holds a hearing today for the proposed Advanced Technology Solar Telescope planned for construction atop Haleakala on Maui.  The meeting gives the public an opportunity to provide testimony on the project’s Conservation District Use Application.

Some concerns that have been raised are impacts on the endangered ‘ua’u or Hawaiian petrel, as well as impacts on the cultural and natural resources in the area.

If approved, the ATST would be the largest solar telescope in the world.  It is designed to provide the sharpest views ever taken of the sun, allowing scientists to learn more about solar-terrestrial interactions.

Tonight’s meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Mayor Hanibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani.

***(Additional information: Updated 8/28/10 11:53 a.m.)***

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), will hold a public hearing on Maui tonight, August 26, to receive testimony on a conservation district use application (CDUA) MA-3542 for the National Science Foundation’s proposed Advanced Technology Solar Telescope (ATST) at the Haleakalā High Altitude Observatories Site, Pu‘u Kolekole, Waiakoa, Makawao, Maui, TMK (2) 2-2-007:008 and 007:007 (part).

The hearing will take place at 6 p.m. at the Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center, 91 Pukalani St., in Pukalani, in the multi-purpose room.

A copy of the application and the Observatories Site proposed management plan are available for inspection at:
        Wailuku Public Library, 251 High Street, Wailuku, Maui
        Kahului Public Library, 90 School Street, Kahului, Maui    
        Online at hawaii.gov/dlnr/occl/manuals-reports

The Final Environmental Impact Statement is available online at the Office of Environmental Quality Control, oeqc.doh.hawaii.gov (2009-08-08)

HaleakalÄ High Altitude Observatory Site Aerial Showing Existing Facilities. Photo Courtesy: National Science Foundation & Hawaii Department of Health