Maui Solar Telescope Planned for Haleakala

The Advanced Technology Solar Telescope project that the federal government has been planning for Haleakala will have the funding it needs to move forward. So far, $23 million has already been spent in its planning over the past ten years, but the project has become controversial.

Many voices on the island have raised the fierce concern that the telescope will further undermine the spirituality of the sacred "House of the Sun" as existing buildings have already done. Hawaiian monarchs were buried atop Haleakala, making development of the area disrespectful. The telescope will be 143 feet tall. The observatories are already quite visible from just about anywhere that there is a view of the summit. A telescope of that size will certainly stand out much more. 

There is still a long way to go before it becomes clear as to whether this project will come to fruition. For example, the plan will have to survive a gauntlet of scrutiny including an environmental impact statement and a vote by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources. The project has already been through an extensive review process by environmental, archaeological, historical  and endangered species experts. There have already been numerous public hearings. The overall expectation, despite these trials, is that this $300 million telescope is going to be built. Construction is likely to begin in the fall of 2010.

If it is built, many contractors will spend the next seven years on its construction within a half-acre area in the University of Hawaii's Science City among the cluster of observatories that already exist near the summit.

Advocates of the project are enthusiastic about the scientific progress that the telescope will help to facilitate in our understanding of the sun. Its 13-foot-diameter mirror will help to provide the sharpest views of the sun yet.

The telescope will effect the natural ecology of the mountain as well as tourism. But, overall, the arguments both in favor and against really boil down to science versus spirituality. Should Haleakala be kept as pristine as possible for future generations and in honor of those past? Or should it be built to help us learn more about the star that makes life on earth possible? There are many strong views on this subject. It's not too late to voice your opinion. Watch for those public hearings.

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