TMT protesters will be told when work resumes

HILO — Thirty Meter Telescope opponents can expect to receive notice before contractors return to Mauna Kea later this month, according to a state Department of Land and Natural Resources spokesman.

But how that notice will be given and when remains to be seen.

After months of waiting due to protests, the TMT International Observatory announced Tuesday that a “small crew of local workers” will go to its construction site near the summit later this month to conduct “site preparation activities, starting with equipment maintenance and repairs.” No date was announced.

Based on a verbal agreement with the Mauna Kea “protectors,” DLNR said it would tell them which day workers would return to the TMT site if they in return stopped camping on the mountain at night.

TMT opponent Lanakila Mangauil said the protesters expect the state to keep its part of the bargain.

So far, protesters, who object to construction on a mountain they consider sacred, have stood in the way of contractors three times, with arrests occurring during the last two roadblocks. Construction has been on hold as a result for more than half a year.

Mangauil said he expects a similar scenario when contractors return. He said they don’t want to permit any work that could allow or lead to more bulldozing.