Urging The United States Air Force To Cease Plans Related To The Construction Of The Maui Optical And Supercomputing Site Small Telescope Advanced Research Facility Atop Haleakal.
Summary
SR143 is a Senate resolution urging the United States Air Force to stop planning and developing the proposed Air Force Maui Optical and Supercomputing Site Small Telescope Advanced Research (AMOS STAR) Facility atop Haleakalā on Maui. The resolution describes the project as a military space-tracking and communications installation that would include up to seven telescopes on 0.87 acres, and says it would support satellite tracking, characterization, and other defense-related missions.
The resolution frames Haleakalā as a sacred and culturally significant summit and argues that continued development there has already altered the natural and cultural landscape. It emphasizes that the site lies within a State Conservation District and that preservation of natural resources, fragile ecosystems, and cultural practices should take priority over industrial, scientific, or defense-related uses. The measure also states that culturally and environmentally appropriate alternatives may exist outside sacred summit areas.
Impact
If adopted, SR143 would not change Hawaii statutes directly, but it would express the Senate’s position and formally urge the U.S. Air Force to abandon the AMOS STAR project. It would also direct certified copies of the resolution to the Department of the Air Force and the Federal Aviation Administration, signaling state-level opposition to a federal facility proposed for land at Haleakalā. The practical effect would be political and advisory rather than regulatory, but it could influence federal decision-making, permitting, and public debate over land use on conservation and culturally sensitive lands.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment reflected in the resolution is strongly opposed to the AMOS STAR project. The bill text presents the project as inconsistent with cultural preservation, environmental protection, and community values, and it highlights concerns about militarization, transparency, oversight, and public access. No committee votes or hearing transcripts were provided, so the available record shows the sponsor’s and supporters’ negative view of the project, but not any recorded legislative debate or bipartisan support.
Contention
The main point of contention is whether the Air Force’s proposed facility should be allowed on Haleakalā’s summit. Supporters of the resolution argue the site is sacred, environmentally sensitive, and already burdened by existing development, while opponents of the project are concerned about militarization, insufficient mitigation in the environmental impact statement, and inadequate community consultation. On the other side, the Air Force’s stated rationale is that the facility would improve satellite tracking and advanced research capabilities, suggesting a tension between defense/space-surveillance objectives and cultural and conservation priorities.
Same As
Urging The United States Air Force To Cease Plans Related To The Construction Of The Maui Optical And Supercomputing Site Small Telescope Advanced Research Facility Atop Haleakal.