Leadership at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo paid a recent visit to Hale Pōhaku, the mid-level facility on Maunakea, also known as the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy, to learn more about the operation. The facility has living capacity for up to 72 people working at the summit, as well as a visitor center and other support buildings.
Chancellor Bonnie Irwin, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Kris Roney, and Dean of the College of Natural and Health Sciences Jim Mike, were invited up the mountain to brainstorm about how UH Hilo might engage more university departments in learning experiences involving the mauna.
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The day was hosted by Kaʻiu Kimura, director of UH Hilo ʻImiloa Astronomy Center, and Larry Kimura and Kekoa Harman, both associate professors of Hawaiian studies and Hawaiian language at the university, who talked to the group about the cultural significance of the mauna.
The tour started at the Visitor Information Center and surrounding facilities led by Stewart Hunter, general manager of Mauna Kea Support Services (MKSS). Robin Hayes, food and lodging manager at MKSS, also joined the group. The tour then proceeded up to Hale Pōhaku and the potential future site of the UH Hilo teaching telescope.
“We also discussed the work that ʻImiloa is doing on new information displays for the Visitor Information Center and the work on new orientation programs for employees and visitors,” said Irwin.
Read more at UH Hilo Stories.
