University of Hawaii 88-inch telescope to undergo repair and maintenance

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Contact:
Dan Meisenzahl, (808) 348-4936
Spokesman, UH Communications
Roy Gal, (808) 956-6235
Associate Specialist, Institute for Astronomy
Posted: May 1, 2017

A bird's-eye view of the UH 88-inch telescope and its surroundings.
A bird's-eye view of the UH 88-inch telescope and its surroundings.

The University of Hawaiʻi 88-inch telescope (UH88) on Maunakea will undergo much needed repair and maintenance. The renovation will include fresh paint and repaired siding on the exterior, roof repair and weather sealing of the dome, improved lightning protection, as well as safety upgrades. The work will require erection of external scaffolding and overhead crane work.

The work will occur during the period from May 1, 2017, to October 31, 2017. To ensure the safety of visitors and staff, the area in immediate proximity to the UH88 will be fenced off to the public while renovations are taking place. Visitors are asked to not walk on the slopes around the fence, which causes erosion and creates safety risks. 

Other existing sites, open to the public, remain available for sunset viewing and stargazing. These include areas both on and off the summit. 

UH employees and contractors will comply with best management practices prepared by the contractor and approved by the Office of Maunakea Management (OMKM), including notices to OMKM, other observatories, and other users of the summit area and access road as appropriate when construction activities are anticipated to affect them. Construction vehicles and equipment will undergo invasive species inspections prior to coming up to the mountain.

(Full caption) A bird's-eye view of the UH 88-inch telescope and its surroundings. The red line marks the area where fencing will be erected during renovation work.

For more information, visit: http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/info/press-releases/uh88_reno/