Bold claim: Haleakalā is facing seven more telescopes, and the controversy isn’t fading away. The U.S. Air Force plans to add seven more telescopes on Haleakalā, a move that critics say desecrates a sacred site. Hina Kneubuhl of Protect Haleakalā frames the issue plainly: Haleakalā is a sacred space not just for Hawaiians but for a global community, deserving top protections. The military counters that the project serves national security, while opponents view it as ongoing desecration.
Project details show the Air Force intends to build and operate a Small Telescope Advanced Research (STAR) facility at the AMOS (Air Force Maui Optical and Supercomputing Site), also called AMOS STAR. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) describes up to seven telescopes on a site described as “previously disturbed, less-than-1-acre.” Visuals indicate these new telescopes would be smaller than the mountain’s existing installations.
Yet Haleakalā’s stewards argue the mountain has already suffered enough disruption. Critics warn construction could threaten endangered species such as the ʻōhīnalahina (the Hawaiian silversword) and the ʻuaʻu (Hawaiian petrel), which nests underground on the summit. Kneubuhl emphasizes the broader stake: protecting summit spaces, Haleakalā’s cultural significance (the piko of the mauna), and endangered species that are valued as kupuna—honored ancestors in Hawaiian culture.
A Space Force spokesperson says community engagement is a top priority and acknowledges concerns about environmental, cultural, and spiritual impacts. They note that the Notice of Availability for the DEIS and the public hearings aim to inform residents about potential impacts and mitigation options, while inviting feedback. The Space Force argues that Maui’s long-standing role in space domain awareness benefits national security and everyday life—from GPS and internet banking to satellite TV and agriculture. They also highlight Haleakalā’s high-altitude location and favorable viewing conditions as assets to this mission, asserting that the AMOS STAR site would use already developed land and advance critical capabilities.
Haleakalā protectors push back, calling for stronger engagement and action. Kneubuhl complains there has been little meaningful consultation with Native Hawaiian communities or organizations. In response, opponents are urging locals to participate in two public hearings this week: Tuesday, February 17, at 6:30 p.m. at the Kihei Community Center, and Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani.
Thoughtful questions to consider: Should sacred landscapes be prioritized over advanced technological infrastructure when the two come into conflict? How can agencies ensure robust, ongoing dialogue with Indigenous communities while pursuing national security goals? And what trade-offs are acceptable if endangered species and cultural sites are at risk? Share your perspective in the comments.
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