Maunakea: Draft Environmental Assessment for Halepōhaku upgrade

Halepōhaku, mid-level facilities on Maunakea

Link to video (details below): https://go.hawaii.edu/D5r

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Center for Maunakea Stewardship (CMS) is advancing environmental stewardship on the mauna by replacing underground fuel storage tanks (USTs) at Halepōhaku, the mid-level facilities, with a modern system. A draft Environmental Assessment (EA) is being prepared under the oversight of the Maunakea Joint Management Committee, a partnership between CMS and the Mauna Kea Stewardship Oversight Authority (MKSOA).

UH is removing the USTs to meet a 2028 state regulatory deadline (Hawai‘i Administrative Rules Chapter 11-280.1-21). Under the state rule, any tanks built before August 9, 2013, must be upgraded with extra safety protection by July 15, 2028. If they are not upgraded by then, they must be permanently shut down.

The project would replace three underground fuel tanks and buried fuel lines with two smaller, above-ground double-wall tanks. The new tanks would sit on a concrete pad with built-in pumps and a containment berm. This reduces the facility footprint from about 1,945 square feet to 322 square feet and lowers fuel storage capacity from 18,000 gallons to 6,000 gallons.

Fuel stored at Halepōhaku is vital for snow plows and heavy machinery that keep Maunakea’s roads clear and safe. Reliable access supports public safety, cultural practitioners and observatory staff. Storing fuel on the mauna also reduces emissions by limiting the number of trips needed to haul fuel up the mountain.

“Fuel storage is critical for keeping Maunakea’s roads safe and accessible during weather events and natural disasters," said Greg Chun, executive director of CMS. “Following publication of the draft EA, we look forward to gathering public input so this project reflects both essential needs and our shared commitment to stewardship.”

Initial outreach efforts 

CMS has hired Sustainable Resources Group International, Inc. to prepare the draft EA. The environmental consulting firm is assessing the project site, studying potential impacts, and conducting a Ka Paʻakai analysis. As part of this work, it is reaching out to stakeholder agencies and individuals with knowledge of Native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices connected to the area.

The project area is in a previously disturbed utilities yard and is not known to be used by cultural practitioners or visitors. One māmane tree will be removed, though 40 new trees have already been planted nearby as part of restoration efforts. No historic sites will be directly affected. An archaeological monitor will be present during ground work.

“True stewardship of Maunakea requires laulima, working together with the community,” said John De Fries, executive director of MKSOA. “As this process advances, there will be opportunities for manaʻo from the public to help guide this project with respect and responsibility.”

When the draft EA is published in the Hawaiʻi Office of Planning and Sustainable Development’s Environmental Notice, the public will have 30 days to provide comments. Community members, cultural practitioners, and other stakeholders are invited to share their perspectives to help shape the final decisions. All feedback will be reviewed by the project team, and adjustments to the Proposed Action may be made based on the input received.

Link to video (details below): https://go.hawaii.edu/D5r

B-ROLL: (53 seconds)

0:00-0:22 - snow plow

0:22-0:53 -  Maunakea Rangers on road