HILO >> The standoff continues between Thirty Meter Telescope and those trying to stop construction atop the sacred Hawaiian mountain.

The Hawaii Tribune-Herald reports that it’s been more than 70 days since trailers loaded with heavy equipment ascended Mauna Kea to build one of the world’s largest telescopes, an event that was shortly followed by protests that brought the $1.4 billion project to a halt.

A small group of protesters maintains a presence outside the Mauna Kea visitor center, waiting for the day TMT builders return. Above them, security guards patrol the construction site on the mountain’s summit.

Many protesters are Native Hawaiians who consider Mauna Kea sacred.

Protest organizer Kaho’okahi Kanuha says the situation is like a battle of the wills.

TMT has so far not announced plans to resume the work.