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From the Director Dear Friends of Hawaii Astronomy, There are people who make a difference. Some of them seek out the media spotlight and then strive to remain there forever. Others make their important and visionary contributions, and then continue with their normal lives in a most modest manner. Mitsuo Akiyama was one of the latter. His contribution to the state of Hawaii was fundamental. His visionary initiative brought astronomy to Hawaii and made it an engine of the state's economy and a pillar of scientific and educational excellence. It is not an exaggeration to say that, without Mitsuo Akiyama, the worldwide center of gravity for astronomical research would not have shifted to Hawaii, and the Institute for Astronomy at the University of Hawaii, one of the leading research institutions in the world, would not exist. In this newsletter, you will find the story of how he served as the catalyst for the development of Mauna Kea Observatories. When Mr. Akiyama died on May 28, astronomy in Hawaii and the Institute for Astronomy lost a key supporter and a unique visionary, but his exciting vision will live on in the scientific discoveries that continue to be made on Mauna Kea. On behalf of all the faculty, students, and staff of the Institute, our condolences go to Mrs. Akiyama, their children, Alvin and Ruth, and their grandchildren. Aloha,
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