Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority; Established; Appropriation ($)

Description:

Establishes the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority as a joint authority with the University of Hawaii.  Defines the astronomy research lands under the jurisdiction of the University of Hawaii.  Defines the Mauna Kea conservation lands under the jurisdiction of the Authority.  Requires the Authority and the University of Hawaii to manage land uses; human activities, other uses, and access; stewardship; education; research; disposition; and overall operations on its respective lands.  Authorizes the University of Hawaii to develop a framework to allow astronomy development on Mauna Kea.  Declares astronomy as a state policy.  Requires the Authority to establish advisory groups.  Allows the Authority and the University of Hawaii to limit certain commercial use and activities on Mauna Kea on its respective jurisdictional lands.  Provides certain restrictions on leases.  Requires the timely decommissioning of certain telescopes.  Requires an application and fee for all recreational users of Mauna Kea.  Establishes the Mauna Kea Management Special Fund.  Transfers rights, duties, and positions from the University of Hawaii to the Authority.  Exempts positions under the Authority from civil service requirements.  Requires an audit of the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority.  Reverts management to the University of Hawaii Board of Regents and President if the audit finds the Authority unfit to continue.  Appropriates funds.  Effective 1/1/2055.  (SD2)

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2022/bills/HB2024_SD2_.htm