University of Hawaii Reopens Road to Mauna Kea Summit
But access is still restricted due to聽new聽emergency rules approved by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources.
The University of Hawaii reopened the road leading up to the summit of Mauna Kea at 3 p.m. Monday after finishing remedial work and grading, according to a press release.
The road has been the site of numerous protests against the planned $1.4 billion Thirty Meter Telescope over the past three months. Opponents have been camping on the mountain in order to block construction of the telescope that many fear will further desecrate a sacred site.
Mauna Kea demonstrators at sunrise on April 10.
Cory Lum/Civil Beat
In a press release, the university said that only four-wheel drive cars will be allowed above the Hale Pohaku facilities around 9,000 feet up the mountain. The announcement also noted that the Visitor Information Station and its restrooms will stay closed. Restrooms can be found at Saddle Road and the Mauna Kea Summit Access Road, and portable toilets are on the summit, the release said.
Public access is further restricted by highly controversial emergency rules approved by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources last Friday that include prohibiting access to certain parts of the mountain from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
“The State seeks to provide safe access to Mauna Kea summit by all lawful users,” Gov. David Ige said in a press release. “Unfortunately, the destructive actions of several individuals temporarily rendered the mountain road unsafe since June 24. I am pleased UH has reopened the road following its damage assessment and repairs.”
