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Suspension of Open Use Observations

July 16, 2019
Last updated: July 1, 2023

Based on the decision of the directors of the Maunakea Observatories, Subaru Telescope decided to withdraw all personnel from the summit facility and suspend all summit activities including open use observations with the Subaru Telescope. We anticipate returning to normal operations as soon as the situation allows.

Dr. Michitoshi Yoshida
Director, Subaru Telescope






Statement from Maunakea Observatories (2019/07/16)

This afternoon, the directors of the existing observatories on Maunakea made the joint decision to withdraw all personnel from their telescope facilities at the summit to guarantee the safety of their staff - the institutions' top priority. Without guaranteed reliable access to the telescopes, the Maunakea Observatories will suspend all summit activities. We anticipate returning to normal operations as soon as the situation allows.

The safety of everyone on the mountain, MKO staff, law enforcement and protesters is of paramount importance to us. This is not a decision we came to lightly, but want to emphasize the importance of safety for our staffs and the facilities.

We are truly grateful to the law enforcement agencies who have been working around the clock to ensure the safety of everyone on Maunakea. The safety of our personnel - and of everyone on the mountain - remains our top priority.


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