TMT - Contested Case Hearing Status - Hilo

[Aaron S]

What ultimately happens to the TMT project, will affect the otherb telescope facilities on Mauna Kea. If the TMT decides to relocate their facility elsewhere, it will cause investment in the other existing telescopes to dry up. The backers of the other telescopes will think twice about upgrading their facilities in such a hostile environment.

In addition, the other elephant the room is looming end of the science reserve master lease. If the TMT is able to construct its facility, there will be much stronger case to go through lease extension process. However. if the TMT is built elsewhere, all bets are off.