Keaukaha Elementary School cafeteria filled on Wednesday night

(BIVN) – The Keaukaha Elementary School Cafeteria was packed on Wednesday night as Hilo residents had their chance to hear about a controversial bill that would dramatically alter the way Mauna Kea is managed.

State Senator Kai Kahele, who spoke in Waimea the night before, shared a lengthy presentation on the history of astronomy development on Mauna Kea. The Hilo senator laid the foundation for his argument in favor of the sweeping Senate Bill 3090 that proposes to create an entirely new Mauna Kea Management Authority.

Although the bill has gotten little support from the public, it already passed the Senate and has been referred to the House Finance Committee, where it has yet to receive a hearing.