TMT construction begins Monday 15 July

[TomK]

I suspect Aaron is correct. If the TMT had actually started construction back in 2015 or even a couple of years later, this would not be an issue; the NSF would have provided the necessary funds. The upcoming decadal survey is unlikely to recommend funding a project that is unable to show it can be built on Mauna Kea (that's not the TMT's fault, that is the fault of the state). Building the TMT on foreign soil (i.e La Palma) is unlikely to be approved by the NSF.

I think it's unlikely, but I hope the TMT sue the state of Hawaii. Ige's inability to lead and enforce the law means we now face the possibility of no more astronomy in Hawaii and the world loses one of the greatest spots for scientific discovery and a cornerstone for locals being given the chance to be part of our exploration of the universe and to give their kids a fair chance of a decent career in the future.

It makes me feel sick.