STATE EXTENDS THIRTY METER TELESCOPE PERMIT
- State extends Thirty Meter Telescope permit
- Governor Ige rescinds emergency proclamation
News Release from Office of the Governor, July 30, 2019
HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige today announced that the state has granted an extension of a key permit to the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT). The governor has rescinded the emergency proclamation that was issued on July 17, 2019 at this time, because there are no immediate plans to move heavy construction equipment.
This morning, at the request of TMT, the University of Hawaiʻi asked for a two-year extension of the Conservation District Use permit deadline for the initiation of construction. The Department of Land and Natural Resources granted this extension until Sept. 26, 2021.
“Because TMT construction is not imminent, I am withdrawing the emergency proclamation effective immediately. I remain committed to moving forward with this project in a peaceful way and will continue efforts to engage the community,” said Gov. Ige.
The governor noted that law enforcement officers will remain at the site for safety reasons.
“The presence of large numbers of people on the mountain creates significant hazards, especially in light of the potential bad weather,” said Gov. Ige.
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Link to photos here
Documents:
Related: Kahele: Protesters Can Kill Telescope if they Stall Construction beyond Sept 26—and I can Help
HNN: Protesters celebrate governor’s decision to withdraw emergency proclamation for Mauna Kea
SA: Case said she granted the extension because protesters have blocked attempts to move equipment to the construction site near the summit of Hawaii’s tallest mountain.
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