Big Island Thieves

DLNR Releases Statement on Mauna Kea Bill – HB2024 CD1

Photo Courtesy of DLNR

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) believes HB2024 CD1 is well-intentioned but leaves significant gaps that could result in worse management of Mauna Kea’s natural and cultural resources. Notably: 

In short, the DLNR believes that HB2024 CD1 opens Mauna Kea to further development and commercial use without the regulatory oversight that applies to all other lands in Hawaiʻi. 

The Department believes that while well-intentioned, this bill is based on a misguided assumption that UH has not managed Mauna Kea well. This is an old narrative that is no longer true.  Mauna Kea is tightly managed as a clean astronomy zone at the summit surrounded by 10,000 acres of well-protected natural and cultural resources. Many people who state that Mauna Kea is mismanaged believe that TMT should not be built. That is an entirely different issue. 

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