WAILUKU, Maui — Scheduling problems have forced officials to change the times for three meetings on Maui this week to collect public comment on the draft environmental impact statement for the National Science Foundation's proposed Advanced Technology Solar Telescope atop Haleakala.

The meetings on the $180 million project will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday at the Cameron Center Auditorium in Wailuku; Thursday at the Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani; and Friday at the Kula Community Center.

The draft study discusses two sites within the University of Hawai'i Institute for Astronomy's 18-acre Haleakala Observatories at the summit of the 10,023-foot mountain. The preferred site is east of the existing Mees Solar Observatory. The alternative location, about 100 yards away at a higher elevation, is referred to as Reber Circle.

Although conditions make Reber Circle the better spot for sun-gazing, officials said the Mees location was chosen as the preferred site because it is less visible from major population areas on the island, and would reduce construction impacts because it would share space with the 45-year-old Mees facility.

The visual impact of the 143-foot-tall observatory is a major concern expressed by opponents. The structure would be the tallest building on Maui, and some say it is too big.

The draft EIS acknowledges the project would be visible from various locations outside of the Haleakala Observatories, which already has five facilities. "However, it would be seen from all locations within the context of the other facilities at (Haleakala Observatories), and therefore the visual impact would be less than significant ... ," the report said. "The adverse impact of an additional observatory would be a subjective concern for those who see it."

Because the Haleakala summit is a major cultural site considered sacred by many Native Hawaiians, the draft EIS proposes mitigation measures that include hiring a Hawaiian cultural specialist to consult during planning and construction, requiring construction workers to attend University of Hawai'i-approved "sense of place" training, developing education programs with schools, and working with Hawaiian and community groups to reach a draft memorandum of agreement that would allay worries about telescope construction.

The draft EIS also mentions potential "significant" impacts of construction on the nesting habitat of the 'ua'u, or dark-rumped petrel. Noise, vibrations and human proximity from the work could drive the birds from their burrows or cause the burrows to collapse, according to the report.

Measures to mitigate the effects include simultaneous video surveillance of the 'ua'u colony and construction activities.

The earliest possible construction start would be during fiscal year 2009, the draft EIS said, with the site in full operation by 2015.

The National Science Foundation says the Advanced Technology Solar Telescope would be "an indispensable tool" for exploring and understanding the sun's physical processes, such as solar flares and sunspots, that ultimately affect Earth.

With an unprecedented 165-inch aperture, it would be the largest land-based optical solar observatory in the world.

After an extensive international search that began with 70 potential sites, Haleakala emerged as the prime location, offering the most hours with the best viewing conditions to maximize scientific output.

Oct. 23 is the deadline to comment on the draft EIS. Send written comments to Dr. Craig B. Foltz, National Science Foundation, Division of Astronomical Sciences, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Room 1045, Arlington, VA 22230; fax (703) 292-9034; cfoltz@ nsf.gov.