University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Center for Maunakea Stewardship (CMS) employees responsible for the many facets of stewardship of the mauna were commended during a May 19 report to the UH Board of Regents. CMS Executive Director Greg Chun praised the CMS ʻohana for demonstrating unprecedented dedication to protecting and preserving Maunakea before showing a video featuring the staff.
“Our people live, breathe and act on it every single day,” said Chun during a presentation before the Comprehensive Management Plan was approved by the regents. “And as a result, the mauna and all those who practice and work there, whether cultural practitioners or astronomers, are protected. None of it could be done without the incredible people that we have on our team.”
An Independent Evaluation Report released on December 31, 2020 commissioned by the Department of Land and Natural Resources stated state conservation lands on Maunakea are some of the best managed and protected lands in the entire state. The CMS ʻohana is responsible for a wide range of activities including ensuring public safety (Maunakea Rangers), maintaining the Maunakea Access Road, invasive species management, native species monitoring, native plant restoration, habitat monitoring and research, community outreach and educational signage.
