HALEAKALA — The National Science Foundation (NSF) is considering funding the construction of a 142.8-foot high Advanced Technology Solar Telescope (ATST) on the summit of Haleakala on state lands managed by the University of Hawaii’s Institute of Astronomy. 

The project is being proposed by the National Solar Observatory operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy. 

The community is invited to participate in formal National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 consultation meetings for the proposed telescope project and the issuance of a National Park Service Special Use Permit on Monday, June 8, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Kula Community Center; Tuesday, June 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Haiku Community Center; and Wednesday, June 10, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Maui Community College in the Pilina Building multipurpose room.

Sarah Creachbaum, Haleakala National Park superintendent, said, “The Section 106 consultation meetings will provide a forum for Native Hawaiians and others to voice their concerns regarding the impacts on cultural, historic and archeological resources and offer ideas for avoiding, minimizing and/or mitigating these impacts. The role of the National Park Service at these meetings is to listen.”

Information is available online at http://www.nps.hale and http://atst.nso.edu.