W.M. Keck Observatory Represents Maunakea Astronomy at the 2025 Hawaiʻi On The Hill
W.M. Keck Observatory was proud to participate in its very first Hawaiʻi On The Hill from June 8 to 11. Organized by the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi On The Hill is an annual week of advocacy for kamaʻāina businesses and organizations in Washington, D.C. This marks the ninth year of the advocacy week, and the first year that astronomy has been represented.
The delegation of over 100 – including Governor Josh Green and Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda – engaged with members of Congress, federal agency representatives, and national thought leaders in workforce development and small business advocacy.
The first event of the week was a lei draping at the Kamehameha statue in the U.S. Capitol, an annual event held by the Hawai‘i State Society in D.C. Keck Observatory’s Chief Public Affairs Officer, Ilihia Gionson, presented a lei on behalf of the Maunakea Observatories ‘ohana.
The signature Taste of Hawaiʻi On The Hill event welcomed about 2,000 people, including members of Congress and staffers, to sample Hawai‘i-grown and Hawai‘i-made products. At the Keck Observatory table, Ilihia was pouring samples from Kuleana Rum Shack, founded by Keck alumnus Steve Jefferson.
“The Taste of Hawaiʻi On The Hill event was an opportunity to uplift local businesses we love, while also allowing us to share about our kuleana – our deeply held responsibility to care for Maunakea, and to do the best science we can as long as we are welcome to do so.”
The visit to D.C. also provided an opportunity to advocate for the continued federal funding of scientific research in Hawai‘i, including astronomy on Maunakea. Ilihia’s efforts complemented the ongoing national advocacy of Keck Observatory’s Deputy Director and Chief Scientist John O’Meara.
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