HAWAII, Hawaii (KHON2) — The University of Hawaiʻi’s Institute for Astronomy is beginning to decommission the UKIRT telescope on Maunakea, the university announced on Friday, June 27.
According to UH, the decommissioning of the telescope marks an important milestone in the university’s long-term commitment to stewardship of the mauna.
UKIRT’s decommissioning is the third observatory to be taken down as part of the university’s management plan for Maunakea.
“I am glad to see us making progress on our commitment to decommission another facility on the mauna,” UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin said. “Just as importantly, we do this work with the full awareness of the cultural and environmental significance of this place.”
The UH Hilo Center for Maunakea Stewardship will consult with the Maunakea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, as well as the community on Hawaiʻi Island, to complete the decommissioning.
“This is a deeply meaningful process for UH and the broader community,” said Greg Chun, executive director of UH’s Center for Maunakea Stewardship. “Decommissioning is more than physical removal, it’s about honoring our commitments, restoring the ʻāina and engaging with cultural and community voices every step of the way.”
The decommissioning process will begin with a Notice of Intent to decommission, followed by a request for proposals, where a company will be selected to coordinate with UH to properly follow the decommissioning plans.
Work to remove the telescope will begin on-site once the plans, permits and consultations are complete.
UH’s previous telescope decommissionings set a precedent in regards to cultural sensitivity for large construction projects. Prior crews underwent cultural training, with Native Hawaiian protocols carefully integrated into each step of the process, which the university looks to continue.
“Earlier this year, I had the privilege of visiting the mauna and witnessing the outstanding work [UH Hilo Center for Maunakea Stewardship] has done to successfully oversee the decommissioning of the first two observatories,” UH President Wendy Hensel said. “What strikes me most is the [stewardship center] team’s deep sense of responsibility to carrying out UH’s commitments and ensuring this process is conducted responsibly, with great care and respect for this special place.”