The National Science Foundation is looking to Hawaii Island to help track the impacts of climate change.
The foundation is sponsoring an ecological observatory that will connect research sites around the United States for the next three decades, with one proposed for the Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve.
The facility would include a research tower, precipitation gauge, instrument hut and soil plots with sensors about 1 mile northwest of Kulani prison.
Gene Kelly, head scientist for the National Ecological Observatory Network, said the project is unique since it relies on highly standardized data from sites across the country over a long period of time.
“We will have the entire continent wired,” he said.
The field sites represent 20 different “ecological domains,” with Hawaii covering the “Pacific Tropical” domain.
In addition to climate change, the sites will monitor impacts of invasive species and land use on natural resources and biodiversity.
A draft environmental assessment for the Hawaii site was recently published and a public meeting will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. today at the Division of Forestry and Wildlife office, 19 E. Kawili St. in Hilo.
The research site is expected to be operational in 2018, making the Hawaii location the last to be launched.
Sites in Laupahoehoe and Upper Waiakea forests also were considered.
Between four to six full-time staff will operate the Hawaii site, with the help of 10 to 20 seasonal workers, according to NSF staff.
Data will be published online.
The network would be operated by Battelle Memorial Institute, a nonprofit science and technology company based in Ohio.
To view the EA, visit www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=13440.
More on the project can be found at www.neonscience.org.
Email Tom Callis at tcallis@hawaiitribune-herald.com.