Posted on: Monday, June 25, 2001

Agency to test use of rangers atop Mauna Kea

By Hugh Clark
Advertiser Big Island Bureau

HILO, Hawai'i — Mauna Kea soon may have mountain rangers to manage the state's highest peak if a study project is successful.

The Office of Mauna Kea Management, established a year ago by the University of Hawai'i Board of Regents, will conduct a four-month experiment using volunteer ranger/guides.

Walter Heen, interim director of the UH-Hilo-based office, said the experiment is "to assess areas of concern and issues that permanent rangers will have to address."

Heen said the volunteers will help gather information about traffic patterns, recreational use, "harmful type of activities and other data."

Heen is working with Ron Koehler, director of Mauna Kea Support Services, and the Kahu Ku Mauna, a Hawaiian cultural resource council, in testing the roles of the rangers.

Koehler said the volunteers will come from those already serving at the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station at Hale Pohaku.

"We will collect data on who travels up to Mauna Kea, what their purpose is and what they are interested in seeing. We may also do an exit poll to gather feedback about their visit," said Koehler. Hikers, skiers, Native Hawaiians and tourists use the summit area of the mountain as well as astronomers.

The Mauna Kea office was created following years of complaints about conflicting activities on Hawai'i's tallest mountain. Critics said international astronomers and state officials were insensitive to Hawaiian cultural concerns.