Richard Wainscoat

Title: Protection of Hawaii�fs observatories from light pollution

Abstract: The present state of protection of Mauna Kea and Haleakala from light pollution will be reviewed, along with the current lighting ordinances that are in place in the Counties of Hawaii and Maui.  Both of these ordinances have problems that should be corrected.

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) will soon become more energy efficient than low-pressure sodium (LPS) lamps.  Although the monochromatic nature of LPS is very attractive to astronomers, worldwide demand for LPS lighting is rapidly decreasing, and LPS lighting probably has a limited future.  This means that we need to carefully evaluate the impact of LED lighting on astronomy, and take particular care to protect the blue part of the spectrum, where white LEDs emit a lot of light.

The University of Hawaii has been asked to consider changes to the lighting ordinance in the County of Hawaii.  These changes include use of filtered white LEDs near signalized intersections and crosswalks, and possible use of amber LEDs for roadway and parking lot lighting.  The impact of these possible changes will be explained, and other changes that we should seek in the ordinance will be described.

Examples of different LED light sources will be shown, and handheld spectrographs will be available for the audience