HILO >> Proponents and opponents were evenly divided among the almost 40 people who spoke at a state hearing on a proposal to build the world’s largest telescope at Mauna Kea’s summit.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources held the meeting in Hilo yesterday to hear public opinion on the Thirty Meter Telescope before its board considers a permit application from the telescope.

Telescope managers need a permit to build because Mauna Kea’s summit is zoned conservation land.

West Hawaii Today and Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported supporters said the project would bring high-paying jobs and help the economy, while opponents said the telescope shouldn’t be built on the summit because it’s sacred.