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Project Map and Figures > Anticipated Impacts, Project Benefits and Project Schedule Draft Environmental Assessment > Upcoming In-Person Open House

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s (UH Hilo) current observatory site on the summit of Maunakea, named Hōkū Ke‘a, is targeted for decommissioning by 2023. The UH Hilo Department of Physics and Astronomy needs a state-of-the-art educational telescope for training students and for communicating science to the public. Therefore, UH Hilo is proposing to construct a new educational telescope facility at the Halepōhaku Mid-Level Support Facility on Maunakea.

The Proposed Action includes the construction and operation of a new educational telescope at the existing Halepōhaku Mid-Level Support Facility to support UH Hilo’s Department of Physics and Astronomy. Halepōhaku was selected as the proposed site because it provides suitable sky conditions for astronomical observations and is conveniently located. The specific area for the new telescope is currently used for equipment storage.

Project Location Map

Rendering of Telescope and Dome

The Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) was published on September 23, 2022 and can be viewed at the following link: 

https://files.hawaii.gov/dbedt/erp/Doc_Library/2022-09-23-HA-DEA-University-of-Hawaii-at-Hilo-New-Educational-Telescope-Facility.pdf