RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Mauna Kea is considered one of the world's premier sites for astronomical research; and

WHEREAS, the successful continuation of astronomical science in Hawaii will require the development of new technologies and new facilities; and

WHEREAS, a balance must be struck between support for science and respect for cultural and environmental needs, especially in Hawaii, where the two intersect; and

WHEREAS, limits must be placed on the future development of Mauna Kea as a location for observatory sites to balance cultural and environmental concerns; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2006, the Senate concurring, that the University of Hawaii (UH) Institute for Astronomy is requested to prepare a report on the long-term development of observatory sites on the summit of Mauna Kea, including a conceptual plan that consolidates the number of observatory sites, to enhance the quality of astronomy research and limit the size of the geographical area on which to situate new observatories; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the UH Institute for Astronomy is requested to submit its report to the Legislature no later than 20 days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2007; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the President and Chairperson of the Board of Regents of UH, Director of the Institute for Astronomy, and Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

Report Title:

UH; Mauna Kea