#Thirty Meter Telescope

The program provides a learning experience that allows local youth to explore first-hand the history, values and customs of traditional and indigenous cultures across the globe.

The observatory, which would feature one of the world’s largest land-based telescopes, has languished for years, facing not only legal challenges but also opponents who maintain it will desecrate Maunakea, which many Native Hawaiians consider sacred.

The telescope project planned for the Big Island has languished for years as it has faced court challenges and been stalled by opponents who maintain the telescope will desecrate sacred land. Where do you stand on the issue?

Despite a July 3 order setting July 28 as the date for oral arguments in the latest challenge to the Thirty Meter Telescope project on the Big Island’s Maunakea, the matter was deferred a week ago and nobody will say why or when the oral arguments will be heard.

New Hawai’i State Attorney General Anne Lopez said she decided that the continued pursuit of the cases of protesters of the Thirty Meter Telescope was not in the best interest of the people of the state.

The Food Basket has experienced a greater demand for food assistance than in other disasters, including recent volcanic eruptions and Hurricane Lane, with many first-time recipients looking for help due to being laid off or furloughed.

“Finally, we want everyone to rest assured that we have made these decisions to reduce visitors with an understanding that there is no imminent threat of construction at this time. Should that time come, we will notify you all immediately.”

The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawai‘i is stepping into the conflict between KAHEA, an environmental nonprofit, and the State Department of the Attorney General. 

Protectors accepted Kim’s terms, which don’t include demonstrators leaving the mountain, only that they move their camp to the roadside.

The road will clear of all law enforcement and Kia‘i, for now, although protectors will remain on the mountain. These details, and others, were outlined in the mayor’s letter.

Maunakea Access Road will reopen to general public on Dec. 28, according to Hawai‘i County officials this afternoon.

Kūpuna are distrustful of the State’s intentions following an announcement from Gov. David Ige that he will withdraw law enforcement from Maunakea indefinitely.

Ige said TMT not prepared to proceed with construction presently but added this is not the end of TMT in Hawai‘i and vowed to provide safe access to Maunakea for TMT if and when the organization is ready to move forward.

The agreement included a stipulation to keep HPD officers on the hook for response to demonstration-related activity for the next five years.

The effort will continue for the duration of the ongoing situation on Maunakea.

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Provost Michael Bruno offered sentiment to Native Hawaiians during the opening of the 2019 National Diversity in STEM Conference.

Policing the TMT protest atop Maunakea has cost the State and County of Hawai‘i millions, but one law enforcement strategy is putting cash back government coffers. 

The University of Hawai‘i Institute for Astronomy is in the market for a new director and as of Tuesday, the search has officially begun.

HPD arrested more than 30 people during the first week of a protest blocking Maunakea Access Road in an attempt to stop the construction of TMT.

Several dozen supporters of TMT lined Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway on Thursday to advocate on what they believe is the best course forward for Hawai‘i.