(BIVN) – A tense hearing was held February 12 on Oahu, testifiers expressed nearly universal opposition to SB3090, a bill that proposes to overturn the University of Hawaii-based management of Mauna Kea, replacing it with a new Mauna Kea Management Authority.

The hearing was also an intersection of three separate and discreet processes seeking to envision a future for Mauna Kea and de-escalate the conflicts.

Foremost at the hearing was mention on an ‘aha convened in East Hawaii. We first reported on the gathering, which was kept under the radar, in December.

Participants – which included lawmakers like Kahele, as well as protectors, astronomy supporters, and UH officials – adhered to a strict ‘Aelike process of collaborative consensus making.

But consensus on legislation like Senate Bill 3090 was not reached. Testifiers who participated in the ‘aha let the Hilo senator know they were disappointed the bill was introduced.

But there are other efforts regarding the future of the mountain. For example, the university endorsed EnVision Maunakea – supported by charitable contributions from observatories – got underway a few years ago, with facilitated listening sessions.

There is also the effort being undertaken by Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim, which has the support of Governor David Ige. Mayor Kim testified at the senate committee hearing on Febraury 12.