TMT: ‘Small Crew’ Headed to Mauna Kea

A Thirty Meter Telescope crew will soon make its way back up Mauna Kea. The news came Tuesday morning from the chair of the TMT International Observatory Board of Governors, Henry Yang.

“We would like to thank our many supporters in the community. Each of our partners remains committed to building the Thirty Meter Telescope in Hawai’i,” said Yang.  “In California, Canada, China, Japan, and India, work is being conducted to develop and build various components for the observatory, and we look forward to the day when it will come together.

“We are deeply committed to respectful stewardship of the mountain, and to the vision that integrates science and culture in Hawaii and enriches the educational opportunities and local economy. We will continue to follow the state’s laws, procedures and processes, as we have done for more than eight years, while respectfully awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision.”

With his statement, Yang announced that a “small crew of local workers” will go to the TMT site to conduct site preparation activities. These activities include equipment maintenance and repairs.

TMT officials have not announced an exact date of construction resumption.

A TMT spokesperson said that Tuesday’s announcement follows recently released poll numbers showing “strong community support for TMT’s construction.”

Construction on TMT atop Mauna Kea has been at a halt since earlier this year. Crews attempted to scale the mountain two times, but were stopped by activists who refer to themselves as “Protectors of the Mauna.”