Park Service opposes new scope on Haleakala
Associated Press
KULA, Hawaii » Managers of Haleakala National Park oppose construction of a proposed solar telescope atop the peak's summit, said park Superintendent Marilyn Parris.
She said a draft environmental impact statement on the project does not sufficiently address park officials' concerns.
"It is the National Park Service's contention that this draft falls far short in adequately evaluating the numerous cumulative adverse impacts to our resources, our visitor experiences and our overall operation," she said at one of three public meetings on the telescope project last week.
Native Hawaiians and environmentalists supported her position against development of the $175 million Advanced Technology Solar Telescope on Maui.
But advocates of the telescope also attended the meetings, saying it could foster research, educate the public and create jobs.
"This very important instrument is an opportunity for children to learn and discover," said Kalama Intermediate School Vice Principal Penrod Vladyka, who said he is an amateur astronomer.
The National Solar Observatory and a consortium of universities have proposed building the telescope on the 10,023-foot Maui summit.
Supporters say it would greatly advance knowledge of the sun, but opponents claim it could harm a sacred native Hawaiian site culturally and physically.
"I understand why Haleakala was chosen, and I understand why the university wants it bad, but what is the cost to our small island and what is the cost to future generations?" asked Mary Evanson, vice president of the Friends of Haleakala National Park.
She was worried that the telescope could harm the endangered native uau -- also known as the Hawaiian dark-rumped petrel -- with construction noise, vibrations and human proximity.
Public comment on the project will last 45 days from Sept. 8, when the draft environmental impact statement was released.
If the telescope is approved and funded, construction could start in 2009 and the site could become operational in 2014.