Haleakala National Park Superintendent Marilyn Parris said the park opposes a proposed solar telescope on the sensitive Haleakala summit and called a draft environmental impact statement on the project inadequate.

She was joined during a series of three public comment meetings held last week by residents, cultural specialists and environmental advocates objecting to the plan to develop the $175 million Advanced Technology Solar Telescope (ATST) on Maui.

“It is the National Parks Service’s contention that this draft (impact statement) falls far short in adequately evaluating the numerous cumulative adverse impacts to our resources, our visitor experiences and our overall operation with the construction of this ATST,” Parris said.