(BIVN) – A number of bills relating to Mauna Kea have been introduced this year at the state legislature, and some of them propose to make sweeping changes to the way the mountain is managed.

One piece of legislation, House Bill 1565, would establishes science and technology research subzones on places such as Mauna Kea, and would create an approval process for future research facilities that incorporates alternative dispute resolution principles. That bill is set for a hearing on Feb. 7.

The bill concerns not only Mauna Kea, but a number of other locations as well:

(1) Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority Science and Technology Park at Keahole Point, North Kona, island of Hawaii;
(2) Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority Geothermal Research Facility, HGP-A at Pohoiki, Puna, island of Hawaii;
(3) Maui Research & Technology Center in Kihei, island of Maui;
(4) Haleakala high altitude observatory site, as defined by executive order number 1987, set aside to the University of Hawaii in Kula, island of Maui;
(5) Manoa Innovation Center at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu, island of Oahu;
(6) Hawaii Innovation Center, operated by the University of Hawaii in Hilo, island of Hawaii;
(7) Astronomy precinct, portion of the Mauna Kea science reserve, as defined by general lease number S-4l91, issued to the University of Hawaii in Kaohe, island of Hawaii; and
(8) Hale Pohaku Mid-Level Facility, as defined by general lease number S-5529, issued to the University of Hawaii in Kaohe, island of Hawaii; and
(9) Other areas may be added as necessary.

We recently ask two individuals familiar with Mauna Kea – Astronomer Thayne Currie, and Mauna Kea Anaina Hou member Kealoha Pisciotta – about their thoughts on the proposed legislation.

We will have more from both Pisciotta and Currie on other mountain-related measures introduced at the legislature this year.