Protesters plan to gather outside TMT backer’s home

HONOLULU — Native Hawaiian opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope plan to protest outside the California home of one of the observatory’s major backers.

The opponents plan to gather today outside the Redwood City home of Intel co-founder Gordon Moore and his wife. The couple’s foundation pledged $250 million toward the $1.4 billion TMT.

Protesters have occupied Maunakea Access Road since mid-July to block construction of the observatory atop the mountain. They say building a new telescope there will further desecrate a sacred place that already hosts 13 observatories.

Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation spokeswoman Holly Potter says the foundation recognizes strong feelings in support and opposition to TMT. She says the foundation respects the right of all to express their points of view. She asks that the Moores be respected as private citizens.