TMT TO CONDUCT SITE PREPARATION

News Release from MaunaKeaAndTMT.org

PASADENA, CALIF (November 10, 2015) –A small crew of local workers will go to the Thirty Meter Telescope site this month to conduct site preparation activities, starting with equipment maintenance and repairs. An exact date has not been announced.

“We would like to thank our many supporters in the community,” said Henry Yang, chair of the TMT International Observatory Board of Governors. “Each of our partners remains committed to building the Thirty Meter Telescope in Hawaii. In California, Canada, China, Japan and India, work is being conducted to develop and build various components for the observatory, and we look forward to the day when it will come together.”

“We are deeply committed to respectful stewardship of the mountain, and to the vision that integrates science and culture in Hawaii and enriches the educational opportunities and local economy,” added Yang. “We will continue to follow the state’s laws, procedures and processes, as we have done for more than eight years, while respectfully awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision.”

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STATEWIDE POLL RESULTS SHOW STRONG SUPPORT FOR TMT; RESULTS RELEASED TODAY

News Release from MaunakeaAndTMT.org November 9, 2015

TMT this morning released the results of a statewide scientific public opinion poll conducted in October 2015 by Ward Research, Inc., an independent research firm based in Honolulu, Hawaii. The poll quota sampled for key demographic characteristics (e.g. age, ethnicity, gender, and island of residence). The demographics of the sample match the demographics of Hawaii based on Census data.  The margin of error is +/- 4%.

Among the key findings:

• 88% of Hawaii residents agree there should be a way for science and Hawaiian culture to co-exist on Maunakea
• 75% of Hawaii residents agree that TMT has followed a lengthy approval process, including permitting, community meetings and environmental impact statements, so work should proceed
• 74% of Hawaii residents agree that TMT will help create good paying jobs and economic benefits for those living on Hawaii Island
• 63% of Hawaii residents agree that a failure to move forward with TMT after following all regulations would hurt Hawaii’s reputation as a place to do business
• 62% of Hawaii residents support moving ahead with the construction of TMT
• 59% of Big Island residents support moving ahead with the construction of TMT
• Support for TMT’s construction is split among Hawaiians/part Hawaiians, with 49% of those polled opposing the project and 44% supporting the project

LINK: FULL RESULTS

HNN: TMT takes steps to resume construction at Mauna Kea

KITV: TMT preparing to send crew back onto Mauna Kea