The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard but must be felt with the heart. - Helen Keller Love in its essence is spiritual fire. - Seneca Where there is love there is life. - Mahatma Gandhi

1. MAUNA KEA
My Special Valentine
Valentine's Day 2021
Love is in the air and the much-awaited day of the whole Valentine week, Valentine Day is here!
Valentine's Day celebrates the bond and the relationship between people.
It is a day that teaches us how we should express
our love, care, and respect for anyone, who is important in our life
India Today
THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM has grown to include some 380 units since 1872,
encompassing national parks, monuments, historic sites, trails, reserves, and other designations.
within this system, THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE has a management mandate to provide
for public enjoyment in a way that will leave resources “unimpaired for the enjoyment of future
generations.” To help achieve this objective, through both policy and law, NPS has a clearly
defned process for screening proposals for new park units. This process assures that only the
most outstanding natural, cultural, historic, and recreational resources are added to the National
Park System by an act of Congress.
PROPOSALS FOR NEW NATIONAL PARK UNITS MAY COME FROM THE PUBLIC,
STATE OR LOCAL OFFICIALS, INDIAN TRIBES, MEMBERS OF CONGRESS, OR THE
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE.
Studies are conducted in consultation with appropriate federal, state, and local agencies, and
Indian tribes. In addition, public participation is critical. The public is to be invited to
participate through informal contacts, workshops, meetings, tours, and opportunities to review
draft documents. TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR FAVORABLE CONSIDERATION as a unit of the
National Park System, an area must meet the following criteria:
 POSSESS NATIONALLY SIGNIFICANT NATURAL, CULTURAL, OR
RECREATIONAL RESOURCES
 BE A SUITABLE AND FEASIBLE ADDITION TO THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM
 REQUIRE DIRECT NPS MANAGEMENT INSTEAD OF PROTECTION BY SOME
OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY OR BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
IF A UNIT UNDER STUDY MEETS THESE CRITERIA, IT CAN BE ADDED TO THE
NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM BY AN ACT OF CONGRESS.
Source: National Park Service. Criteria for Designation <https://www.nps.gov/iceagefoods/pdf/f.pdf>

2. OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS
<https://m.facebook.com/ofceofhawaiianafairs/photos/rhonda-loh-selected-as-hawai%CA%BBi-volcanoes-national-park-superintendentthe-nationa/4203431353016824/>
December 3, 2020
Rhonda Loh Selected As Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park Superintendent
The National Park Service (NPS) has selected Rhonda Loh to serve as the permanent
superintendent of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park starting on December 20, 2020. Loh has
been the acting park superintendent since April 2019.
“Throughout her 25-year career with the National Park Service, Rhonda has sought creative
ways to build a positive working environment that fosters collaboration among staf and
partners,” said Acting NPS Regional Director Linda D. Walker. “This experience provides her
a solid foundation to help further the mission of the National Park Service in Hawai'i.”
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park rises from sea level to an elevation of 13,677 feet and
encompasses two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The park
includes seven ecological zones (coast, lowland, mid-elevation woodland, rainforest, upland
forest, subalpine, and alpine) and is home to seven threatened species including the nene
(Hawaiian goose), and 47 endangered species, including the honu'ea (hawksbill turtle), 'ua'u
(Hawaiian petrel), and the Ka'u silversword. The park's rich archeological record connects
today’s Hawaiians to their ocean-faring ancestors who made landfall on the island. Visitors
can experience the history of geological exploration and the stewardship of natural landscapes
by driving the roads, visiting historic districts and buildings, and exploring the park's
museum. [Emphasis Supplied]
”My family roots are in Hawai'i, and I deeply appreciate the islands” people and cultures,”
said Loh. “I am honored to be selected for this position and remain committed to engaging
with the local communities in stewardship of our public lands.” Loh began her career in the
park service as a volunteer in 1989 before landing her frst permanent position as a biological
technician at Hawai”i Volcanoes National Park. She later served as the park's botanist and
then chief of natural resource management. Loh also served as acting superintendent at other
national parks across Hawai'i including Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Haleakala National
Park, Kaloko-Honokohau and Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Parks, and
Kalaupapa National Historical Park.
Born in Hawai'i, Loh spent her formative years growing up on O'ahu and connecting with
family on Hawai'i Island where she enjoyed hiking and camping. She received her master's
degree in chemistry from Stanford University, and Ph.D. in botany from the University of
Hawai'i at Manoa. Loh, her spouse Peter, and dog Maxy live in Volcano, Hawai'i.

3. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park was established on Aug. 1, 1916 to protect, conserve, and
study the volcanic landscapes and associated natural and cultural resources and processes on
the island. The park has been designated as an International Biosphere Reserve (1980) and a
World Heritage Site (1987). For more information, visit the park's website: <www.nps.gov/havo>
______________________________________________________________________
MAUNA KEA COMPREHENSIVE MANAGEMENT PLAN - APRIL 2009
<http://www.malamamaunakea.org/uploads/management/plans/CMP_2009.PDF>
UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI'I
As the lessee, the University has responsibility for managing the UH Management Areas. The
UH Board of Regents has fnal approval authority over major projects. The acceptance of the
2000 Master Plan by the UH Board of Regents prompted the creation of OMKM, the
MKMB, and Kahu Ku Mauna. The MKMB serves in an advisory capacity to the UH Hilo
Chancellor and Kahu Ku Mauna serves in the advisory capacity, primarily to the MKMB, but
also to the UH Hilo Chancellor. The MKMB has also established several advisory
committees, including the MKMB Environmental Committee and the MKMB Hawaiian
Cultural Committee.
INSTITUTE FOR ASTRONOMY
The IfA, based at UH Manoa, conducts state-of-the-art astronomical research. Its faculty and
staf are also involved in astronomy education, and in the development and management of
the observatories on Haleakala and Mauna Kea. IFA OVERSEES THE CONDUCT AND
COORDINATION OF ASTRONOMICAL RESEARCH IN THE SCIENCE RESERVE,
INCLUDING LONG-TERM PLANNING AND VISIONING.
______________________________________________________________________
When the politicians and legal system fails us, we take to the streets and more...we will not be
ignored nor give up, we have kuleana to aloha and malama the aina ...
♦♦♦ Walter Ritte, Advocate, Activist, Champion for Justice ♦♦♦
MAUNA KEA (Thirty Meter Telescope) – HALEAKALA (Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope)
SlideShare, May 13, 2015 is shared as foundation for the following Recommendations.
<https://www.slideshare.net/cliftonmhasegawa/mauna-kea-tmt-haleakala-dkist-president-barack-obama-to-governor-david-y-ige-kanpai/cliftonmhasegawa/mauna-kea-tmt-haleakala-dkist-
president-barack-obama-to-governor-david-y-ige-kanpai>
Specifcally and particularly my correspondence with Kahu Daniel Kanahele, The Trustees of the
Ofce of Hawaiian Afairs, The Hawaii Legislature and Governor David Y. Ige

4. WE RECOMMEND
1) Responsibility for managing the “UH Management Area” be transferred to the National
Park Service
2) Responsibility for managing the “Science Reserve Area” for Mauna Kea be transferred to
Institute for Astronomy (IfA)
3) Final Appellate Authority for all complaints regarding the National Park Service shall be
resolved by the Secretary of the Interior or his Designee.
4) Final Appellate Authority for all complaints regarding the IfA shall be resolved by an
individual appointed by the Governor, State of Hawai'i. The Governor's Designee shall not
include any Chancellor within University of Hawai'i System, any member of the UH Board of
Regents, any Department or individual within the Executive, Legislative or Judicial Branches
of Hawai'i State Government. The Governor's Designee shall be subject to approval of the
Hawai'i Legislature sitting in joint session after public hearing by written and oral testimony.
The Governor's Designee may include a panel, not to exceed three (3) individuals, subject to
approval of the Hawai'i Legislature sitting in joint session after public hearing by written and
oral testimony.
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Night Moves – Cindy Coats, Kailua-Kona