Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) protests halt groundbreaking.
Oct. 7, 2014
Mauna Kea protectors managed to stop the Department of Land and Natural Resources from beginning construction on sacred Mauna Kea “until further notice.” (Photo from later 2015 demonstrations)
Mauna Kea is the most sacred dormant volcano of Native Hawaiian religion and culture, and in Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) tradition is home to the sky god Wākea and other gods. On October 7, 2014 the groundbreaking for the telescope was being live streamed via webcam. The proceedings were interrupted when the official caravan encountered several dozen demonstrators picketing and chanting in the middle of the roadway.
The struggle began before this date, with many actions after this date. Opposition against the observatories on Mauna Kea has been ongoing since the first telescope, built by the University of Hawaii. TMT has still not been built and the struggle continues.
The struggle began before this date, with many actions after this date. Opposition against the observatories on Mauna Kea has been ongoing since the first telescope, built by the University of Hawaii. TMT has still not been built and the struggle continues.