Mauna Kea Authority Seeks New Executive Director

The Hawaii-based oversight board is beginning its search for a leader to manage Maunakea through 2028.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in People

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a mountain peak above clouds, representing the administrative stewardship of Maunakea. — The Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority has begun the search for an executive director to lead management operations through 2028. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority has launched a search for an executive director to oversee daily operations. This leadership role is vital as the agency prepares for its scheduled transition to full management of the site.

Why it matters

The executive director is responsible for implementing strategic plans and balancing environmental protection with cultural knowledge. This appointment is a critical step for the board as it prepares to assume full management responsibilities for Maunakea by 2028.

The authority, which was established in 2022, is working toward a hard deadline to assume full management of Maunakea by July 1, 2028. This transition involves oversight responsibilities currently shared with the University of Hawaiʻi and the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

The players

Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority

This Hawaii state board was created to manage the long-term stewardship and environmental health of the Maunakea summit.

University of Hawaiʻi

The public university system currently shares management duties for the mountain with the state.

Department of Land and Natural Resources

This state department serves as a primary regulatory body for the stewardship of natural resources in Hawaii.

The details

The newly hired director will manage operations while integrating Native Hawaiian cultural knowledge, education, and scientific research into the site management approach. They will serve as the primary administrator for the authority's evolving strategic framework.

The Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority was established in 2022.
The agency is scheduled to assume full management responsibilities for Maunakea on July 1, 2028.

Market Landscape

The board is executing a formal administrative transition that follows the mandate established by the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority Act of 2022. This shift consolidates management functions currently held by multiple state and academic entities into a single authority.

Residents and stakeholders can expect changes in how the mountain is managed as the new leadership takes over daily operations. This transition affects the administrative direction of the site through the upcoming 2028 management deadline.

The takeaway

The search for a director reflects the transition of administrative control for one of the state's most significant cultural and scientific landmarks. Implementing a stable leadership team early will be essential to meeting the management requirements set for the 2028 transition.