The University of Hawaii Board of Regents approved two sub-plans for the management of Mauna Kea on Thursday, clearing the way for review by the state land board.

The regents discussed components of the Mauna Kea Comprehensive Management Plan related to cultural and natural resources, clearing the way for final approval by the Board of Land and Natural Resources.

The land board, which has jurisdiction over Mauna Kea, issued a long-term lease to the university in 1968. The UH-Hilo Office of Mauna Kea Management is trying to complete a master plan to manage the mountain's vast resources, despite a pending court battle over the plan's validity.

Two more sub-plans, relating to the thorny issues of public access and telescope decommissioning, still need approval by the regents and the BLNR.

The cultural resources management plan gives broader powers to Kahu Ku Mauna, an advisory council of cultural authorities, in managing the mountain.

Kahu Ku Mauna will be given the responsibility of working with Hawaiians toward the development of procedures and protocols for cultural issues.

They will "take the lead" in determining the appropriateness of constructing new Hawaiian cultural features. They will be consulted about the possibility of establishing a buffer zone around known historic sites in the mountain's Astronomy Precinct.

Other provisions would require "on-site monitors" including archaeologists, cultural resources specialists or entomologists during telescope construction, confine tours and stargazing activities to previously disturbed ground surfaces and parking areas, and define areas where snow-related activities can occur.

The natural resources subplan notes that the Office of Mauna Kea Management is considering showing a "mandatory orientation video for anyone who accesses the UH Management Areas." The video, to be shown in English and Japanese, would include a health and safety orientation, an overview of rules and regulations, and the causes of damage to cultural and natural resources.

All visitors and observatory personnel would have to watch the video annually and receive a rear-view mirror tag, good for summit access for one year.

Currently, during periods of good weather there are no restrictions on who can drive to the summit of Mauna Kea, although most visitors leave shortly after sunset so they don't disrupt astronomical observations.

The university must present all four sub-plans for approval by the BLNR by April 2010 or before any more permits for new telescopes can be filed.

Meanwhile, a group of Hawaiian and environmental advocates are hoping to derail final approval of the management plan by filing a lawsuit in Third Circuit Court. The plaintiffs are asking for standing in a contested case hearing and the reversal of the BLNR's approval of the managment plan. The university argues that the court has no jurisdiction to reveal the land board's decision.

Arguments are scheduled for 9 a.m. Dec. 9 in Hilo, before Judge Glenn Hara.