HILO » A draft summary of a comprehensive management plan for Mauna Kea, which includes mandatory education for users of the mountain, has been released by the University of Hawaii and related agencies.

“;The preferred approach to managing the cultural and natural resources is based upon education,”; the 11-page summary says.

That education would “;require orientation of users, with periodic updates and a certificate of completion, including but not limited to visitors, employees, observatory staff, and commercial and recreational users.”;

How extensive such an orientation would be for casual visitors driving up the mountain is not clear, but it would include advice on “;culturally appropriate behavior,”; contact with Mauna Kea rangers, and use of signs and brochures.

Mauna Kea, a prime astronomy site because of the thin atmosphere at the 13,796-foot summit, is considered sacred in Hawaiian culture. According to Malama Mauna Kea, the mountain has 76 ancient shrines and was host to religious practices, observation of the heavens and tool-making.

The plan is being written in response to a 2006 ruling by Hilo Circuit Judge Glen Hara in a lawsuit brought by Hawaiian and environmental groups against six relatively small “;outrigger”; telescopes proposed for construction around the two giant Keck telescopes on Mauna Kea.

Hara ruled the outriggers could not be built until a comprehensive master plan was written.

UH, which controls the 525-acre summit area, adopted a Mauna Kea Science Reserve Master Plan in 2000. But Hara ruled that the management section was not detailed enough. The current management draft does not propose any new limits on the number of telescopes on Mauna Kea.

However, it recommends a new map showing what portions of the summit area may be developed. It also recommends requiring observatories “;to develop plans to recycle or demolish facilities once their useful life has ended.”;

The recommendations are at www.maunakeacmp.com. Click on “;Review CMP Recommendations.”;

Meetings on the recommendations will be held:

» next Friday, Kealakehe Elementary School in Kona, 5 to 8 p.m.

» Nov. 17, Waimea Civic Center, 5 to 8 p.m.

» Nov. 18, Keaukaha Elementary School in Hilo, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.