UPDATE: TMT Postpones Construction

*** Updated at 4:25 p.m. to include statement from Thirty Meter Telescope project manager Gary Sanders. ***

Thirty Meter Telescope released a statement Saturday afternoon from project manager Gary Sanders in regards to the postponement of the project’s construction atop Mauna Kea.

“We appreciate the support of the Governor and our community advocates for our decision to hold construction until at least April 20. We are continuing to consult with community leaders, and appreciate their input in the process,” Sanders said.

*** Original story posted 2 p.m.***

Governor David Ige’s office says they have been informed by Thirty Meter Telescope officials that they will postpone construction on the project until Monday, April 20.

“I thank TMT for its willingness to be respectful and senstitive to all of Hawai’i – its special people, its sense of place and its unique host culture,” Gov. Ige said in a statment.

Saturday morning, the governor and his wife, Dawn, participated in the 52nd Merrie Monarch Festival Royal Parade. Also in the parade was a large group of TMT opponents bearing “Aloha ‘Aina” signs who chanted and sang along the parade route.

The news of the additional postponement of the TMT project follows Gov. Ige’s earlier announcement of a week-long moritorium on Tuesday, April 7.

Photo credit: Josh Pacheco.

Photo credit: Tiffany Epping.

Photo credit: Tiffany Epping.

Photo credit: Tiffany Epping.

Photo credit: Tiffany Epping.

Photo credit: Tiffany Epping.

Photo credit: Jamilia Epping.

Photo credit: Jamilia Epping.