OHA Rescinds Support of “TMT” at Mauna Kea

OHA twitter message announcing the vote.

By Wendy Osher

Board members at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs today voted to rescind their support for the Thirty Meter Telescope or “TMT” atop Mauna Kea on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi.

Trustees voted 6-1 in favor of rescinding their support of the project, but removed language that would have publicly voiced opposition to the project as well.  The motion for language to include both “rescind” and “oppose” was proposed by Trustee Carmen “Hulu” Lindsey of Maui.

Mauna Kea. Image courtesy Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

The amended wording that removes the word “oppose” was drafted to allow the body greater ability to work with the governor and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources for better management at Mauna Kea, according to updates provided by OHA via their social media network.

The OHA Board of Trustees held a special meeting today to discuss their position on the project following recent demonstrations, walkouts, arrests, and a timeout on construction.

Those in opposition to the project have expressed concern over continued development at the sacred site and desecration of the area. Supporters say they believe that science and culture can coexist on the mountain and maintain that permits were secured to build at the location after a seven-year public process.