THE SENATE
S.R. NO.
143
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
SENATE RESOLUTION
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 HALEAKALĀ.
WHEREAS, the United States Air Force has proposed the construction and operation of the Air Force Maui Optical and Supercomputing Site Small Telescope Advanced Research Facility, or AMOS STAR, atop Haleakalā; and
WHEREAS, the United States Air Force states AMOS STAR would provide for dedicated satellite tracking and communication capability to allow for the characterization, cataloging, and tracking of objects in space and to enable advanced research that expands the Department's understanding of objects in the Pacific Theater; and
WHEREAS, the summit of Haleakalā is a sacred and culturally significant site, holding deep spiritual, genealogical, and traditional importance; and
WHEREAS, the cumulative development of telescopes, domes, military infrastructure, and restricted federal facilities at Haleakalā's summit has significantly altered the natural and cultural landscape; and
WHEREAS, the proposed AMOS STAR project would support space surveillance and defense-related missions that extend beyond purely scientific research, with such military space-tracking systems raising concerns about further militarization of Hawaiʻi and the long-term land use trajectory of conservation and culturally sensitive lands; and
WHEREAS, AMOS STAR is planned to occupy 0.87 acres of property and include as many as seven telescopes; and
WHEREAS, Haleakalā lies within a State Conservation District, where preservation of natural resources, fragile ecosystems, and cultural practices should take precedence over industrial, scientific, or defense-related uses; and
WHEREAS, culturally and environmentally appropriate alternatives for space surveillance infrastructure may exist beyond sacred summit environments; and
WHEREAS, community members have expressed strong opposition to the project, noting concerns such as transparency, oversight, environmental impacts, and the potential to limit public access and traditional cultural practices; and
WHEREAS, opponents also argue the project's environmental impact statement does not include sufficient strategies for mitigating negative impacts on cultural and environmental resources and that federal officials have not done enough to incorporate feedback from the local community; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, that the United States Air Force is urged to cease the development of the proposed Air Force Maui Optical and Supercomputing Site Small Telescope Advanced Research (AMOS STAR) Facility; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Department of the Air Force and the Federal Aviation Administration.
OFFERED BY:
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Report Title:
Haleakalā; AMOS STAR Facility; U.S. Air Force