The state Land Board took hours of testimony but no action by press time Friday on the proposed emergency rules that would restrict access on Mauna Kea in an effort to address ongoing protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope.
The state Land Board took hours of testimony but no action by press time Friday on the proposed emergency rules that would restrict access on Mauna Kea in an effort to address ongoing protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope.
Board chairwoman Suzanne Case acknowledged the issue is an emotional one, and said the temporary rules — which were amended prior to the board taking up the matter — would last 120 days and allow time for a deeper dialogue to take place.
While camping already is prohibited on the mountain, Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin told the board it’s necessary to implement rules that restrict being within a mile of the mountain’s access road between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., unless in a moving vehicle, and prohibiting camping gear.
Simply saying no camping is allowed is too vague, he said, since those who have maintained a constant presence on the mountain don’t consider their actions camping.
Board member Thomas Oi cautioned Chin that the rules would hurt others, specifically hunters.
“To punish one group you’re punishing the whole island,” he said.
More than 100 people signed up to testify for three minutes each on the proposed rules. By 5 p.m., less than 40 people had an opportunity to speak. Most of the testifiers were opposed to the emergency rules, but several from the astronomy community voiced support and said safe access to the summit must be restored.
Kahookahi Kanuha, a TMT protest leader, called the rules “silly,” “irresponsible” and “pathetic,” and would criminalize him and others for trying to protect the mountain — a job he said DLNR should be doing.
Ultimately, he said, new rules will not stop the “protectors” from defending the mountain they consider sacred.
“You guys do what you got to. We’re going to do what we got to do,” he told the board.
“We don’t plan to leave until Mauna a Wakea is safe.”
Construction of the $1.4 billion telescope remains stalled as protesters maintain a constant presence on the mountain. More than 40 protesters were arrested during the two days that crews unsuccessfully attempted to restart construction.
Among those who testified Friday was Stewart Hunter, general manager of the Mauna Kea Observatories Support Services, which operates the Visitor Information Station. He said many of the employees have felt harassed.
“I support these rules because of the unsafe and illegal behavior by people camped across the street (from the VIS),” he said.
The proposed rules, as amended Friday, state no person shall possess a “sleeping bag, tent, camping stove or propane burner” at any time in the restricted area, or enter or remain in the area during the 10 p.m.-4 a.m. time frame.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Email Chris D’Angelo at cdangelo@hawaiitribune-herald.com.