Public Hearings re TMT All this Week

Aloha e Astronomy Supporters,  Aug 9, 2022

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has begun the TMT environmental impact statement process.  Right now they are holding public hearings to find out what the scope of their EIS should be.

Please testify in favor of TMT at the hearings on Big Island if you can:

Hilo: August 9, 2022 6pm

Grand Naniloa Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, Crown Room 93 Banyan Dr., Hilo, HI 96720

Naalehu: August 10, 2022 6pm

Naalehu Community Center 95-5635 Hawaii Belt Rd., Naalehu, HI 96772

Kona: August 11, 2022 6pm

Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa, Kaleiopapa Convention Center 78-128 Ehukai St., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Kamuela (Waimea): August 12, 2022 6pm

Kahilu Town Hall 67-1182 Lindsey Rd., Kamuela, HI 96743

The NSF is almost certainly most interested in alternative Number 2 so we recommend focusing on that:

Investment in the construction and operation of TMT located on Maunakea, Hawaii Island, Hawaii, with an NSF-facilitated plan to define and practice responsible astronomy in Hawaii in partnership with the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority, the Maunakea Observatories, and the affected Hawaiian community (Alternative 2)

If you testify in person, include personal touches in your testimony.  Talk about how much the astronomy sector means to you, and how beneficial the TMT project in particular will be.  Talk about how the Extremely Large Telescope project, and its mission to seek life on other planets, inspires you!

For more information and to stay updated on the status of the NSF’s environmental review and to view opportunities for public involvement, visit https://beta.nsf.gov/tmt. The deadline to submit written comments is September 17, 2022.  We will be providing draft written comments in the coming weeks.

Thank you for your continued support of astronomy in Hawaii. 

Mahalo nui loa,

Sam Kalanikupua King

Executive Director, Imua TMT

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