The goal of the `Ohana project is to measure physical parameters on specific scientific targets with unprecedented angular resolution in the infrared domain. This cooperative project hopes to recombine the large and very large adaptive optics equipped telescopes on top of Mauna Kea through the use of single mode wave guides (optical fibers). Interest amongst the Mauna Kea community is strong, and none of the technological challenges seem insurmountable. A three phase plan has been developped to achieve a fully operationnal interferometric array, with each phase an accomplishement in its own right: Phase I aims at injecting the AO corrected light into a single mode fiber. This will provide useful diagnostics to the respective observatories in terms of time stability of Strehl ratio and vibrations. During Phase I, the scientific case for `Ohana will also be developped and consolidated. Phase II will be a demonstrator, both scientific and technological, where fringes will be recorded between two telescopes not originally designed for interferometry, presumably on one of the shorter baselines. Highly focused scientific observations will demonstrate the potential of this collaboration. The fully operationnal imaging array is the utlimate goal of Phase III.
`Ohana means family in the hawaiian language.