TMT construction begins Monday 15 July

[kalakoa]

State permits on State land, why is County involved again?

At least this time people will better understand the cost of an "all tourism" economy...

[Obie]

The latest post from the protesters.

“We’re still working, we work every day to make sure this project doesn’t move forward, so this week, we’re celebrating and commemorating one year that we’ve been able to stop the project from moving up the mountain,” said Noe Noe Wong-Wilson, one of the leaders in the TMT protest.

[terracore]

"I'm surprised that the countries backing the project haven't moved on."

Undoubtedly. I'm pro-telescope but I wouldn't try to start a lemonade stand in Hawaii. Building a telescope? They are out of their Vulcan minds.

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

... we’re celebrating and commemorating one year that we’ve been able to stop the project from moving up the mountain,” said Noe Noe Wong-Wilson, one of the leaders in the TMT protest.

Anything else you’ve accomplished for the Native Hawaiian people in the past year Noe, while everything has been on hold?

[terracore]

Zing!

[kalakoa]

Can hardly wait to see if the protectors also interfere with upgrades to an existing telescope:

https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2020/07/15...-it-turns/

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

About the upgrade:

The funding will also provide workforce development for students interested in science and technology, such as internships and school programs. 

“This is a unique educational experience and a wonderful opportunity for local students in Hilo and around Hawaiʻi to gain the experience necessary to attain good, stable jobs,” said IfA Hilo Associate Director Mark Chun, in a news release. “In addition to the local personnel already on staff, we’re training the next generation in cutting edge technology right here in Hilo.”

It’s hard to argue with that, but I’m sure the anti crowd can make something up and post it to social media.

[randomq]

At this point it's not the protester's fault, it's Ige's fault. Weak leadership has a cost.

[kalakoa]

Weak leadership costs the leaders nothing, leaving them with no motivation to improve.

[TomK]

I doubt this decision by the TMT has anything to do with the winter, COVID-19 or protests. In my mind, it's much more likely due to the current Astronomy and Astrophysics US Decadal Survey in which the NSF decides where funds go. This wouldn't have been an issue a year ago but now it is, and much of TMT's money was expected to come from the NFS. Now, because of the delay, this funding is much more uncertain so they cannot commit to starting construction. Thanks to the state's dithering and lack of law enforcement, they may have doomed the entire project, whether it's in Hawaii or La Palma. The NSF may not be willing to fund the project if it goes overseas.