TMT's Vice President Gordon Squires responded to the poll with the following statement Sept 25, 2019:
"These poll results do not deter or discourage us because we strongly believe they reflect responses to a number of issues beyond TMT. Those issues include the desire among some Native Hawaiians for self-determination, a belief that there has been mismanagement of Maunakea in the past, and community concerns about citizens acting unlawfully and where that might lead. TMT, its supporters and its protestors have become caught in a perfect storm wherein TMT is an icon for those issues.
"When we first came to Hawaii more than a decade ago with a vision for Hawaii’s future in astronomy, we were aware of the issues related to self-determination and land management. We heeded those concerns, and others that arose during numerous sessions with residents across Hawaii. We listened carefully and responded with solutions. The resulting site selected, which is 600 feet below the summit; the physical design plan; and the education and workforce programs all stand to benefit Hawaii and all residents, without negative impact, now and into the future.
"We believe the exhaustive public process and legal review for the project was worth the entire 10-plus years it took. TMT brought together scientific minds and community hearts to create something of which Hawaii can be proud. TMT is grateful for the community’s support and we believe this poll does not reflect their commitment, which we know full well through their advocacy and public as well as personal communication."
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Poll: Public support for TMT outnumbers opponents by only 14%
Star-Adv Sept 25, 2019: …Half of all voters surveyed in the poll still support plans to build the $1.4 billion next-generation telescope near the summit of Hawaii’s tallest mountain, but that is a dramatic drop from 18 months ago when 77% of voters said they supported the project.
(It’s Support 50% -- Oppose 36%, but some people count more than others so that 14% margin is nothing according to the Star-Adv.)
The poll also found that slightly more than half of all voters approve of the protests…
The Star-Advertiser poll found Hawaiians object most to the project, with 62% now saying they oppose construction of the TMT….
Ige has pledged to reopen the road and “enforce the law” so that construction can proceed, but the new Star-Advertiser poll found 59% of Hawaii voters oppose the use of force to reopen the road. Among Ige’s fellow Democrats, fewer than a third say the state should use force to clear the road….
read … Drops Sharply
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