By Staff Reports
(Oahu)– The University of Hawaiʻi 88-inch telescope (UH88) on Maunakea will undergo much needed repair and maintenance. The renovation will include fresh paint and repaired siding on the exterior, roof repair and weather sealing of the dome, improved lightning protection, as well as safety upgrades. The work will require erection of external scaffolding and overhead crane work.
The work will occur during the period from May 1, 2017, to October 31, 2017. To ensure the safety of visitors and staff, the area in immediate proximity to the UH88 will be fenced off to the public while renovations are taking place. Visitors are asked to not walk on the slopes around the fence, which causes erosion and creates safety risks.
Other existing sites, open to the public, remain available for sunset viewing and stargazing. These include areas both on and off the summit.
UH employees and contractors will comply with best management practices prepared by the contractor and approved by the Office of Maunakea Management (OMKM), including notices to OMKM, other observatories, and other users of the summit area and access road as appropriate when construction activities are anticipated to affect them. Construction vehicles and equipment will undergo invasive species inspections prior to coming up to the mountain.