Land Board Sets Date for TMT Oral Arguments

An artist’s rendering of the Thirty Meter Telescope at sunset. TMT photo.

Today, the state Board of Land and Natural Resources set Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, to hear oral arguments in the Contested Case Hearing for the Thirty Meter Telescope at the Mauna Kea Science Reserve on Hawai‘i Island.

Two days ago, the contested case hearing officer presented her recommendations, which serve as the “proposal for decision” by the BLNR.

Parties to the contested case may file exceptions to retired Judge Riki May Amano’s recommendations no later than Aug. 21, 2017, at 4 p.m.

During the BLNR hearing, each party to the case will have 15 minutes to present oral arguments. Time may not be assigned from one party to the other. The BLNR may elect to ask questions after each party has completed argument, but that time will not count toward the 15 minute total. There are 23 parties to the case.

The oral arguments will be heard at the Grand Naniloa Hotel Crown Room, 93 Banyan Drive in Hilo.

Extended media coverage provisions approved for the Contested Case hearing will be continued for the BLNR oral arguments.

Naleo Community Television will be the designated electronic pool provider and will live stream the proceedings.

Download the order setting TMT oral arguments hearing.