LAND BOARD SETS ORAL ARGUMENTS FOR TMT CONTESTED CASE
News Release from DLNR, July 28, 2017
(Honolulu) – Today State Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) Chair Suzanne Case set Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017 to hear oral arguments in the Contested Case Hearing for the Thirty Meter Telescope at the Mauna Kea Science Reserve on Hawai‘i Island.
Two days ago, the Contested Case Hearing Officer presented her recommendations which serve as the “proposal for decision” by the BLNR. Parties to the contested case may file exceptions to retired Judge Riki May Amano recommendations not later than August 21, 2017 at 4:00 p.m.
During the BLNR hearing, each party to the case will have fifteen (15 minutes) to present oral arguments. Time may not be assigned from one party to the other. The BLNR may elect to ask questions after each party has completed argument but that time will not count toward the 15 minute total. There are twenty-three (23) parties to the case.
The oral arguments will be heard at the Grand Naniloa Hotel Crown Room, 93 Banyan Drive in Hilo. Extended media coverage provisions approved for the Contested Case hearing will be continued for the BLNR oral arguments. Naleo Community Television will be the designated electronic pool provider and will live stream the proceedings.
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STATEMENTS:
TMT executive director Ed Stone statement:
“TMT welcomes the recommendation that a state permit be issued and we respectfully look forward to the next steps. We appreciate that Judge Riki Amano worked carefully and tirelessly to ensure all voices were heard during the contested case hearing. We are grateful to all our supporters and friends who have been with us during the hearing process and over the past ten years and we remain respectful of the process to ensure the proper stewardship of Maunakea.”
DLNR Statement:
“We are providing a copy of Judge Riki May Amano’s Proposed Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Decision and Order (the Order) filed today in the contested case hearing regarding the Thirty Meter Telescope Conservation District Use permit application.We are currently reviewing the Order. Now that Judge Amano has issued the Order, the Board will set a deadline for the parties to file exceptions to her recommendations and another deadline for the parties to file responsive briefs to the exceptions. The Board will also set a date for oral argument before the Board. After oral argument, the Board will issue its final written decision and order.”
Gov David Ige statement:
"I want to thank hearings officer and former Judge Riki May Amano for her diligent work in making a recommendation to the Board of Land and Natural Resources regarding the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project at Mauna Kea.
"We are in the process of reviewing the conditions included in the decision.
"Regardless of the BLNR’s ultimate decision, I support the co-existence of astronomy and culture on Mauna Kea along with better management of the mountain."
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