MAUNAKEA, Hawaii — The University of Hawaii at Hilo is removing the Hōkū Keʻa Observatory telescope on the summit of Maunakea starting on April 15, according to a news release. 

What You Need To Know

  • Decommissioning the UH Hilo Hōkū Keʻa Observatory is a requirement of the Mauna Kea Comprehensive Management Plan

  • The U.S. Air Force built the Hōkū Keʻa Observatory in 1968, and it was one of the first observatories on Maunakea’s summit

  • The decommissioning of the California Institute of Technology Submillimeter Observatory on the summit of Maunakea is expected to be completed by the fall 2024

This is the second telescope on Maunakea that is in the process of decommissioning. Crews are also removing and restoring the site of the California Institute of Technology Submillimeter Observatory, which is expected to be completed by fall 2024. 

The decommissioning process for the Hōkū Keʻa Observatory telescope started last month and includes the removal of the observatory building, generator building, telecommunications and electrical infrastructure, and the restoration of the site. UH Hilo expects to complete the entire decommissioning process by August.  

Decommissioning the UH Hilo Hōkū Keʻa Observatory is a requirement of the Mauna Kea Comprehensive Management Plan. 

“We are one step closer to fulfilling UH’s promise to remove observatories from the summit of Maunakea,” said Greg Chun, UH Hilo CMS Executive Director. “The very detailed process laid out in the CMP requires everyone working on this project to complete cultural training and understand the history and cultural significance of the area. The decommissioning process requires archaeological, cultural, invasive species, and construction monitoring throughout the project to ensure best management practices are being followed. The process also requires three-years of site monitoring post-decommissioning to assess species population and diversity.”

The U.S. Air Force built the Hōkū Keʻa Observatory in 1968, and it was one of the first observatories in Maunakea’s 528-acre astronomy precinct. UH Hilo took over the observatory in 2003. In April 2023, the Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources approved an application submitted by CMS to decommission the Hōkū Keʻa Observatory. 

UH Hilo urges anyone planning to visit Maunakea to check the Center for Maunakea Stewardship website for the latest information, as the road may be closed occasionally during the process.

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.

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