The TMT Observatory Corp. has agreed to delay construction of its large telescope on Mauna Kea for one week, Gov. David Ige announced today.
The TMT Observatory Corp. has agreed to delay construction of its large telescope on Mauna Kea for one week, Gov. David Ige announced today.
Construction of the $1.4 billion telescope has been met with resistance from protesters who have twice staged roadblocks on Mauna Kea Access Road to prevent crews from proceeding with site clearing. That led to 31 arrests on the mountain Thursday.
TMT protesters, who call themselves protectors, say they are opposed to additional telescope construction on Mauna Kea, considered sacred by Native Hawaiians.
“Today I announced a week-long stand down of construction on the Thirty Meter Telescope so I can evaluate the situation from multiple perspectives,” Ige said in a written statement. “Mahalo to TMT for its willingness to pause its activities during this time. I also thank UH President Lassner and Office of Hawaiian Affairs Chair Lindsey for their leadership on this issue. I will continue to work with them in the coming days.”
The 180-foot-tall observatory, to be operational in 2024, will be located on Mauna Kea’s north flank just below the summit at 13,150 feet. It will be the 14th telescope on the mountain and more advanced than any existing optical observatory.
Astronomers say it will allow them to observe the first stars and galaxies formed after the Big Bang.