COURTESY NATIONAL ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY OF JAPAN
An artist rendering of the Thirty Meter Telescope.
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The state Supreme Court on Thursday denied a motion to reconsider its ruling that allowed the granting of the construction permit for the Thirty Meter Telescope.
“This decision is shameful,” said Kealoha Pisciotta, leader of the Mauna Kea Hui, which had filed the motion to reconsider. “The people of Hawaii should be concerned. It goes against all the foundations of Hawaii’s legacy of environmental protection and treatment of the native people of this land.”
The state’s highest court last month affirmed 4-1 the state Board of Land and Natural Resources’ decision to issue the conservation district use permit to the $1.4 billion astronomy project.
Associate Justice Michael Wilson dissented in the original ruling and in the reconsideration, which was also 4-1.
Mauna Kea to reduce visitor center hours
The Mauna Kea visitor center will close at 5 p.m. instead of 10 p.m. starting Dec. 9 while it undergoes improvements, according to a statement released by the Office of Maunakea Management.
A paved parking lot with entry and exit lanes and 42 stalls will be constructed at the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station. The lot would accommodate the boost in traffic the center has experienced since upgrades to Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known as Saddle Road, were finished, the statement said. A greenhouse to propagate native plants also will be built, and the structure known as the Upper Longhouse will be removed.
The project is expected to take six months to complete. Preparations start in December and actual construction starts in January. Stargazing at the center will be suspended during this time, but the center will continue to open at 9 a.m. seven days a week and its restrooms will remain open 24 hours a day.
