Hawaii groups challenge Mauna Kea management plan
HILO, Hawaii - HILO, Hawaii (AP) — The state land board this week is due to consider whether to grant a hearing to Native Hawaiian and environmental groups challenging the University of Hawaii's management plan for Mauna Kea.
The university leases more than 11,000 acres at the summit of the Big Island volcano from the state.
The land is the site of about a dozen telescopes belonging to universities in Hawaii, the mainland, Canada, Japan and Europe.
The Board of Land and Natural Resources approved the university's management plan in April.
But the groups are questioning whether the board followed laws protecting the wekiu bug and other rare species.
One petitioner argues the land is the rightful property of the Hawaiian Kingdom, not the state.
The board meets Friday.
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Information from: Hawaii Tribune-Herald, http://www.hilohawaiitribune.com
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