WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SR 143

URGING THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE TO CEASE PLANS RELATED TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MAUI OPTICAL AND SUPERCOMPUTING SITE SMALL TELESCOPE ADVANCED RESEARCH FACILITY ATOP HALEAKALĀ.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brenton Awa

Hawaii legislature urges U.S. Air Force to cancel Haleakalā telescope project, prioritizing Native Hawaiian cultural and spiritual concerns over astronomical research facility.

Offered.
#amosstarfacility #haleakalā #u.s.airforce
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 143

Legislative bill overview

SR 143 is a Hawaii state resolution urging the U.S. Air Force to abandon plans for constructing the Maui Optical and Supercomputing site (MOSS) small telescope facility on Haleakalā mountain. The resolution expresses the state legislature's opposition to this astronomical research project on the sacred Hawaiian summit.

Why is this important

Haleakalā holds significant cultural and spiritual importance to Native Hawaiians, and this resolution reflects ongoing tensions between scientific research interests and indigenous sovereignty and land rights in Hawaii. The outcome could influence federal agency priorities and set precedent for how sacred indigenous sites are treated when balanced against research benefits.

Potential points of contention

  • Sacred land vs. scientific advancement: Native Hawaiian spiritual and cultural values regarding Haleakalā conflict with the Air Force's research and national defense interests in advanced optical and computing capabilities
  • Environmental and cultural impact assessments: Disagreement over whether existing environmental reviews adequately considered Hawaiian cultural concerns and whether mitigation measures are sufficient
  • State authority vs. federal jurisdiction: Questions about Hawaii's actual power to influence federal military/research decisions on U.S. territory versus federal prerogatives

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.