Governor’s Office Issues Statement on TMT Resumption

Governor David Ige’s Chief of Staff, Mike McCartney released a statement late Tuesday night on the govenor’s behalf ahead of Wednesday’s resumption to Thirty Meter Telescope construction.

“It is our belief that there will be mutual respect and aloha on Wednesday and in the days ahead as TMT restarts construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope.

“TMT has the approvals needed to proceed with construction. We respect those who oppose the project and their right to peaceably assemble and to protest in an orderly and civil manner.

“The State of Hawai‘i’s primary concern is the health and safety of its people. The state and Hawai‘i County are working together to uphold the law and ensure safety on roadways and on Mauna Kea, while allowing the people their right to peacefully and lawfully protest.”

As of Tuesday afternoon, at least 20 individuals were atop Mauna Kea preparing for Wednesday’s construction.

Governor Ige is currently in Washington, D.C. for The Washington Post’s “Powering Cities” forum.