Michael J. Bitter

Key discussion topics included the Kahu Kū Mauna (KKM) review process for observatory projects, focusing on the 3-year outlook report and concerns regarding visual impact. The Executive Director's report covered the Board of Regents' Maunakea Permitted Interaction Group (MIG) report, potential amendments to the Master Plan concerning observatory site reuse, and coordination priorities for future astronomy operations. An update was provided on pending MKSOA-related legislation (HB2592, HB2593, SB3310). Furthermore, progress on the CMS/MKSOA cost-sharing agreement, aiming for a May 1st approval, was detailed. The Board approved the Subaru Repainting Project to repair hurricane damage and received an informational report on the 2025 Natural Resources Annual Overview, detailing species monitoring and management actions. An executive session was held to consult with the Board's attorney regarding joint management issues with MKSOA.

The agenda for this meeting includes a Public Comment Period for agenda items, followed by a report from Kahu Kū Mauna and the Executive Director's Report. Key topics under the Executive Director's Report involve the Maunakea Stewardship and Oversight Authority (MKSOA) Transition, including legislative updates on bills such as HB2592 HD1, HB2593 HD1, SB3310, and SB2003 SD1, as well as discussions on the UH Master Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The report also covers the Financial Stabilization Plan. Agenda items include informational discussion on the SMA Weather Instrument Upgrade. The meeting is scheduled to include an Executive Session to consult with the Board's attorney regarding the Board's decision-making process in joint-management with MKSOA.

The meeting addressed several administrative and project updates. The Executive Director reported on the UH Annual Report to the Legislature, highlighting revisions and expansion to cover transition matters with MKSOA, including discussions on amending the UH Master Plan for recycling decommissioned sites, halting work on new MKO subleases, and TMT's status regarding deferral of rent payments due to site access issues. Furthermore, MKSOA is proposing a contract for cost-sharing of position and program costs. Key agenda items included the approval of the Fire Mitigation Memo, which proposed vegetation removal in specific zones around structures, and the acknowledgment of receipt for the UKIRT Notice of Intent for Decommissioning. An informational update was provided regarding the Subaru Instruments Upgrade. The Board entered executive session to consult with its attorney regarding joint-management role issues with MKSOA.

The agenda for this meeting includes a Public Comment Period for agenda items, followed by reports from Kahu Kū Mauna concerning the Three-Year Outlook Review, and the Executive Director's Report covering recommendations to amend the Maunakea Master Plan (MIG Report), an MKSOA Legislation Update, and a CMS/MKSOA Cost-sharing Update. Specific agenda items for discussion and potential approval include Subaru Repainting (M3) and the 2025 Natural Resources Annual Overview (Information Only). The Board also plans to convene in Executive Session to consult with the Board's attorney regarding powers, duties, and liabilities related to the joint-management role with MKSOA.

The meeting commenced with administrative setup followed by the approval of the minutes from the November 4, 2025 meeting. Key discussion items focused on several interdependent matters related to the Maunakea Compact (Act 255) transition. The Executive Director reported on the required annual report to the legislature, noting a typo correction regarding fiscal years. Significant time was spent discussing subleases and associated rent/fee payments concerning TMT, which were deferred due to lack of site access. A positive development mentioned was the request by the MKO Permitted Interaction Group for the joint management committee to begin identifying issues for a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) covering astronomy and other existing uses. Further discussion addressed amending the master plan to allow recycling of decommissioned sites for astronomy uses, aligning with Act 255 intent. Financial projections indicated significant deficits for fiscal years 2027 and 2028 without replacement funding, emphasizing the critical need for cost-sharing discussions with MK SOA.