The UK STFC Seems Hell-Bent To Gut Britain’s Significant Astronomy Investment

The HTH had an article today about the United Kingdom’s decision to cut funding for UKIRT and James Clerk Maxwell Telescope.

The bean counters at the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council seem hell-bent on gutting Britain’s significant astronomy investment. This is an absolutely shortsighted decision. I know current economic problems are causing significant budgetary issues. However, this isn’t the time to make deep cuts in the astronomy budget. Astronomical research will spur future economic growth and deeper understanding of our universe. Nonetheless, the latter is completely lost on the individuals who run the UK STFC.

I hope the Japanese don’t make the same mistake and cut funding for the Subaru Telescope on Mauna Kea.

Darryl Oliviera, the Hawaii County Fire Chief, e-mailed me this update regarding the future Makalei Fire Station.

“I met with the P/W Project Engineer last week Tuesday and he is finalizing things for the anticipated bid for construction. So I am very optimistic it will go out very soon. As soon as I can get an official and more or less committed dated I will be sure to contact you. The fact that we have the grant helps to push things along as well as there are timelines and reporting that we must comply with.”

Lastly, it is likely the Hawaii Supreme Court will hear the Coupes Mamalahoa (Hokulia) bypass appeal sometime after February 5th, 2010. However, Hawaii County will be filing a motion to expedite after they submit their opening reply brief due by January 22, 2010.