Wednesday, May 4, 2022
The Uncertain Future of Astronomy on Mauna Kea
This is the floor speech by Senator Lorraine Inouye in support of astronomy on Mauna Kea as presented in the Senate as a commentary on HB 2024 CD1 on May 3, 2022.
Mr. President,
I rise to speak in opposition to House Bill 2024, Conference Draft #1. There are many things that are still wrong with this bill. However, in the interest of time, I will only mention a few.
The objective of this bill is to create the new Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority with the responsibility to govern and manage the entire mountain, including astronomy at its summit.
The creation of a new authority to assume jurisdiction over Mauna Kea is redundant. The current management and stewardship of Mauna Kea is already set in place through the University of Hawaii and the Center for Mauna Kea Stewardship.
People I talked to at the University of Hawaii tell me that there are problems with the five-year transitional timeline which forces U.H. to turn over management of Mauna Kea to the new authority. With it comes complications such as having the University "legally required to comply with all obligations" of the current lease and not being able to do anything else while serving as a "lame duck landlord".
U.H. is concerned with upcoming lease re-negotiations in 2034, after the current lease runs out.
They are rightfully worried about the future of astronomy and the fate of its sub-lease partners which consists of all the observatories presently on the summit, including the future of the proposed and approved Thirty Meter Telescope. What is to become of them?
Doug Simmons, the current Director of Astronomy at the University of Hawaii tells me, "HB 2024 CD1 would impact the TMT project's vested rights in terms of its land authorization and permit. The current Thirty Meter Telescope sublease issued by UH guarantees site control for TMT through 2033 and commits UH to use its best efforts to secure a new general lease so that a new sublease can be issued. Pursuant to the bill, UH would no longer be involved and the authority would issue a new lease to TMT no sooner than July 1, 2028, if it decides to do so. That would require the authority to organize itself, create rules and processes, negotiate lease terms, and resolve any legal challenges. Similarly, the current CDUP for the project, issued to UH, would have to be replaced by a new permit or permits from the authority following the establishment of rules and processes and the resolution of any contested cases and judicial appeals."
As one writer in a recent Hawaii Tribune Herald letter stated, "I am writing to express my horror and amazement that the Trojan Horse bill known as House Bill 2024 is under serious consideration for passage."
Mr. President, this bill is a Trojan Horse indeed.
After UH loses their original lease in 2033, upon which TMT and the other observatories are sublessees, astronomy will be back at square one, starting all over again. The costly setback for astronomy, Hawaii's economy and jobs related to the industry will probably be too much to bear.
Sad to say the loss of the hard work of the late Board of Regent Barry Taniguchi, and the late Dr. Don Hall, one of the first directors of astronomy whom I have worked with as a councilmember on my island in the eighties.
There is no assurance that the new Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority will guarantee that TMT, the University of Hawaii, and the other observatories will get new long-term leases. There will be too much politics involved in the new approval process.
At that point (or maybe even earlier) TMT will likely give up and move away from Hawaii.
This bill will be the demise of a promising new, world class telescope that will compliment the world class observatories we already have.
The casualty list will be long:
The demise of our $221 million a year astronomy industry. Astronomy itself brings in at least $110 million annually to our state, $68 million in labor income and $10 million in state tax revenues, according to a report today in the Honolulu Star Advertiser by one of Hawaii's most brilliant tech journalists.
The decimation of astronomy will contribute to the loss of many jobs not only in astronomy, but also in education, high tech, industry, and many support services, some of them small businesses and the economic benefits to my island and the state.
The demise of astronomy will also mean lost opportunities for future and the "spillover effects" astronomy brings to our fragile economy – knowledge, expertise, and technology benefits.
The ramifications of this bad bill will resonate throughout the worldwide astronomy, business, and scientific communities, even though the bill does declare "support of astronomy to be a policy of the State." How much of a commitment to astronomy do we truly have?
The new authority will have to give equal or maybe even greater weight to the ecology and environment of the mountain, its natural resources, restricted access, human activities, traditional cultural practices, and more.
DLNR brought up several concerns including unclear oversight legal framework, unclear financial sustainability, and redundant managerial planning that are part of the bill's flaws. The restrictions on astronomy and the associated leases are a problem as well as limitations on commercial use. And I totally agree as the chair of the Water and Land committee.
In the end, the DLNR believes that Mauna Kea lands should remain protected under the present conservation district rules under the oversight of the Board of Land and Natural Resources.
Mr. President, these are just some of the major concerns I have about HB 2024 CD1. Surely there are many more issues surrounding this bill including the fact that we have to appropriate more than $14 million for the creation of the new authority, micromanage observatory viewing time, among numerous legal concerns brought up by the Attorney General's office, the potential political process in the nomination to board appointees, and much more.
I must ask you, is Hawaii as committed to astronomy as this bill would like you to believe?
We must not let our highly respected, world-class astronomy industry wither and die due to short‑sighted legislation such as this.
Astronomy's contribution has remained steady in Hawaii over the past decade. It is a reliable economic generator for Hawaii especially when compared to weather and pest-prone agriculture and pandemic-afflicted, price sensitive, tourism.
The stars and mostly good weather are always here, and astronomy can be here to support us in Hawaii for generations to come.
Colleagues, it's time for us to make a statement and stand up for ASTRONOMY and not allow HB 2024 CD1 to pass.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Wednesday, April 6, 2022
Senator Inouye's Capitol Update – April 2022
https://mailchi.mp/3915a0e1ae15/senator-inouyes-newsletter-march-15325897
Senator Inouye's Newsletter "Capitol Update" is online. Items of interest for the April edition include the following:
Water and Land Committee to Advise and Consent to Several More Nominees – Aha Moku Advisory Committee, Land Use Commission, more.
Bills moving to Second Crossover – Monitoring bills that passed through the Water and Land Committee + the Mauna Kea stewardship bill
State Capitol Public Access Update – Revised visitation guidelines since March 28
SUBSCRIBE to my newsletter – it's free
State Supreme Court Approves Reapportionment Plan As Is
Legislative Certificates Presented to Police Officer and Firefighters of the Year
Historic Honokaa Buildings Added to National Registry
READ THE APRIL 2022 CAPITOL UPDATE
Thursday, March 10, 2022
Senator Inouye Reports Big Island Landmarks Will Be Placed on the National Register of Historic Places
Honolulu, Hawai‘i--Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 4 – Hilo, Hāmākua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikōloa, Kona), Chair of the Water and Land Committee, is proud to report that two Hawai‘i Island landmarks will be listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
The Historic Preservation Division received notice from the National Park Service in Washington, D.C. that the two landmarks in Honoka‘a Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and the Awong Brothers Store, have been approved to be in the register. The church was nominated for inclusion in the register in January, 2021 and the store in September, 2017.
The Historic Hawai‘i Foundation's website describes the church as "significant as a small-town religious institution, centerpiece for religious and social activities, and catalyst for ethnic mixing in church and town. The church's blended congregation was comprised of Portuguese, Puerto Ricans, Filipinos, Native Hawaiians and other immigrant members through the years. The diversity of cultures paved the way for the ethnic mixing in a church that fostered similar cultural exchange with the small businesses in town prevalent throughout the plantation era."
Senator Inouye stated, "the church was the center of family gatherings for all of the plantation workers and their families. As a sugar plantation child, it was very meaningful to have a place for me and my family to gather with the community. I am excited to have learned that the church is one of very few that continues to hold the Holy Ghost Festival and procession."
The Awong Brothers Store is described by the foundation as historically important as a representative of Honoka‘a town. It began with the completion of the building in the 1870s. Awong Brothers Store's 50th anniversary was observed in 1968. The building is recognized as an important center for commerce, social and cultural activity for the town's community. The building is also "a fine example of a commercial, plantation-style building rendered in wood, reflecting the materials and carpentry skills available at the time of construction in Hawai‘i during the late 19th century.
Today the Awong Brothers Store, which closed in 1971, is now the home for the North Hawai‘i Community Federal Credit Union.
"I am very pleased that the Awong Brothers old store has finally gotten its due recognition as a place of historic importance that will be preserved into the future," said Senator Inouye. She added, "It has been a long while getting through this process to being recognized. I thank the Awong family for its many years serving as an economic contributor to the Honoka‘a and surrounding Hāmākua communities."
Nineteen properties in Honoka‘a are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Monday, March 7, 2022
Senator Inouye's Capitol Update – March 2022
https://mailchi.mp/13d670992eb6/senator-inouyes-newsletter-march-10313805
Senator Inouye's Newsletter "Capitol Update" is online. Items of interest in this edition include the following:
A list of selected Senate bills that passed to the House of Representatives prior to the big crossover vote of March 8, 2022.
Five Governor's nominees were appointed to the Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) who will need to be confirmed by the Senate in a process called "Advise and Consent". The nominees first stop will be before the Water & Land Committee chaired by Senator Inouye.
Third Reading and Crossover Deadlines.
Voting Date – March 8
Crossover Deadline – March 10, Senate bills to House and House bills to Senate
Hawaii State Capitol Re-opening, March 7 – Photo ID and vaccination card required for entry. Mask mandate still enforced until further notice.
The Reapportionment Commission's redrawn district maps have been challenged in court. Redistricting is updated every ten years after the most recent census count (2020).
Governor Ige released funds for several capitol improvement projects in District 4.
Senator Inouye's Capitol Update – March 2022.
If you would like to get Senator Inouye's Capitol Update newsletter in email, please SUBSCRIBE.
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
GOVERNOR RELEASES $1,800,000 FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AT KANU O KA ‘ĀINA NEW CENTURY PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL
The Governor recently released $1,800,000.00 in capital improvement project funding (CIP) to finance plans, design, construction, and equipment for the completion of a multipurpose building for Kanu o ka ‘Āina New Century Public Charter School, Multipurpose Building, in Waimea, Hawai‘i.
"I'd like to thank Governor Ige for releasing funding to finance plans, design, construction, and equipment for the completion of a multipurpose building, including a certified commercial kitchen space, athletic space, and performance space, for Kanu o ka ‘Āina New Century Public Charter School, in Waimea, Hawai‘i.” said Senator Lorraine R. Inouye (District 4 – Hilo, Hāmākua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikōloa, Kona). "I am particularly pleased that the release of these CIP monies will include financing for the plans, design, and construction for a new commercial kitchen space. Students and families of the Waimea community deserve and will greatly benefit from a new commercial kitchen. A certified commercial kitchen will go a long way in ensuring food security for the Waimea community."
Kanu o ka ‘Āina is one of seventeen Hawaiian focused charter schools located in various communities throughout the state with larger Native Hawaiian populations. Established in 2000, Kanu o ka ‘Āina is housed on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands in rural Waimea on Hawai‘i Island. The pandemic wreaked havoc on economic stability and food security of the families of Kanu o ka ‘Āina students, as first one, then both parents lost employment when the hotel industry shut down. For the first time, this peaceful community was burdened with basic survival issues as well as keeping loved ones safe from harm. To assist with food insecurity issues, Kanu o ka ‘Āina applied for and received CARES funding to provide weekly beef distributions for four public schools in the community.
Photo caption at top: Senator Lorraine Inouye visited Kanu o ka ‘Āina New Century Public Charter School this past fall (2021).
Press release
Governor's letter
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Senate Water Land Committee Briefing Materials Worth A Second Look
The Senate Committee on Water and Land (WTL) completed a series of informational briefings with various agencies within the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DNLR). The briefings focused on goals, operations, and budgetary items for each division. Several of them compiled informative PowerPoint presentations complete with graphics.
We have compiled this list of the presentations with the linked content below. Hearing notices and PDF files connect to our legislative website. The video links connect to the Hawaii State Senate channel on YouTube.
December 29, 2021 WTL Informational Briefing – Division of Forestry and Wildlife
Hearing Notice | PowerPoint PDF | Video
January 4, 2022 WTL Informational Briefing – Division of State Parks
Hearing Notice | PowerPoint PDF | Video
January 6, 2022 WTL Informational Briefing – Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR)
Hearing Notice | PowerPoint PDF | Video
January 10, 2022 WTL Informational Briefing – State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD)
Hearing Notice | PowerPoint PDF | Video
January 10, 2022 WTL Informational Briefing – Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE)
Hearing Notice | PowerPoint PDF | Video
January 11, 2022 Senate Ways & Means / Water & Land Committees
Combined Informational Briefing – Department of Land & Natural Resources (DLNR)
PDF - 161 pages of testimony with PowerPoint at the end
Hearing Notice | Testimony / PowerPoint PDF | Video
Monday, January 10, 2022
Community –
The Future of Astronomy Subject of Upcoming Talk
The future of astronomy will be the subject of an upcoming talk. John O'Meara, chief scientist of the W.M. Keck Observatory on the island of Hawaii will be the featured speaker. The subject is "The Year(s) Ahead: What's on the Horizon for Astronomy?" Ground and space based observations for the future will be highlighted.
The talk will stream online for free on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 starting at 5:00 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time. The direct link to the event is:
https://bit.ly/Keck-Update-O'Meara
This talk will also be streamed live on the Keck Observatory Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/KeckObservatory
