The repainting of the lower exterior walls of the Subaru Telescope enclosure, which were damaged by Hurricane Hone in August 2024, was safely completed on September 2, 2026.
Figure 1: The Subaru Telescope enclosure after completion of the repainting of its lower exterior walls. (Credit: NAOJ)
The summit area of Maunakea, where the Subaru Telescope is located, is both a protected area where the natural environment is carefully preserved and a sacred place of great importance to Native Hawaiians. Accordingly, the work was carried out in accordance with environmental protection procedures established for Maunakea, including inspections of equipment and materials for non-native species and the removal of all waste generated during the work.
At the elevation of about 4,200 meters (13,800 feet), the work was carried out under conditions that were less than ideal for painting, with low oxygen levels, low temperatures, and strong winds. During the repainting work, temperatures at the summit between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. were generally between 6 and 11 ℃ (40 and 50 ℉), with wind speeds of approximately 3 to 12 m/s (7 to 27 mph).
In mid-August, shortly after the repainting was completed, Hurricane Lala approached Hawaiʻi Island. Maximum wind speeds of approximately 67 m/s (150 mph) were recorded at the summit, exceeding the peak wind speed recorded during Hurricane Hone in 2024. The newly applied paint withstood the storm, with no confirmed damage to the painted surface.
We sincerely appreciate the cooperation of everyone involved in this project. We will continue to carefully operate and maintain the Subaru Telescope as it explores the Universe from Maunakea.
Figure 2: On June 22, 2026, prior to the start of the repainting work, a Hawaiian blessing was offered by Professor Larry Kimura of the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, wishing for the safety of the workers and the successful completion of the project. (Credit: NAOJ)
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