Mililani Trask criticizes
UH astronomy’s
handling of
upper Mauna Kea

She complains of
alleged archaeological site
mishandling and secrecy

By Rod Thompson
Star-Bulletin

HILO -- On the upper elevations of Mauna Kea, now dominated by astronomy, James Juvik, a University of Hawaii at Hilo geography professor, would like a research station for biological, archaeological and other studies.

Hawaiian sovereignty figure Mililani Trask, critical of alleged mishandling of archaeological sites on the mountain by the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy, now sits with Juvik on a university committee giving advice on the mountain.

She questions whether Juvik and other nonastronomers will get their wishes.

Although the 24-member committee appointed by UH President Kenneth Mortimer has barely begun a year of work, complaints are already surfacing.

Trask charges lack of information, secrecy and poor contact with the public as the committee holds three Big Island public comment sessions, beginning tonight at 6:30 at the Waimea Community Center.

She sees two trends in the committee: those like Juvik and herself who support multiple uses, and others whom Trask identifies as political appointees determined to preserve the status quo.

Committee Co-Chairman Pila Wilson, noting that Trask has attended only one meeting and is a candidate for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, added: "She has lots of good ideas. I appreciate having her there."

Wilson says committee members are gathering some information, and the public hearings are intended to gather more.

But Sierra Club member Nelson Ho, another committee member, criticizes the way the meetings were publicized by legal notices to the advertising departments of newspapers and no notice to reporters.

Ho sent out Sierra Club notices about the meetings tonight, tomorrow at Kealakehe Elementary in Kona, and Thursday at the UH-Hilo Campus Center, all at 6:30 p.m., after friends told him they knew nothing of the meetings.

Trask complained that visitors to regular committee meetings are not welcome.

Hawaiian elder Maile Akimseu said she tried to attend a meeting this month but was asked to leave.

Akimseu said she responded under her breath: "Why? Do you have something to hide?"

Mortimer said when he announced formation of the committee early this summer that it would not be subject to the state Sunshine Law because it is advisory only.

Wilson said it would be "chaotic" to allow the public to attend.

"We don't have anything to hide, but we don't have anything to offer yet," he said.