Author Archive

Report: Hawaii ill-prepared for effects of climate change

Hawaii News Now: Hawaii isn't prepared for the expected effects of climate change in the coming decades, including rising temperatures and coastal flooding, according to a new report. The report gave Hawaii a "D-' for climate change preparedness. "Hawaii faces considerable and increasing threat levels from extreme heat and coastal flooding,' the report said. "The state has taken only limited action to address current extreme heat risk. Although Hawaii has taken strong action to address current coastal flooding...

Protesters, law enforcement prepare for another showdown on Mauna Kea

Hawaii News Now: Protesters and law enforcement appear headed for another showdown on Mauna Kea. Hawaii News Now has learned that hundreds of officers from several state and county law enforcement agencies are expected to be on hand to ensure TMT crews have safe access to the construction site. "I think we are expecting big numbers in force which is really going to be a test for us," said Mehana Kihoi of the Mauna Kea Ohana. Protestors are preparing for a high number of arrests ... and recommended that people...

Telescope foes seek repeal emergency Mauna Kea rule

Hawaii News Now: Lawyers representing two men opposed to building a giant telescope in Hawaii are challenging a recently enacted emergency rule restricting access to the mountain where it will be built. Williamson Chang filed a petition Wednesday with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources seeking to repeal the rule approved last week. The rule restricts being on Mauna Kea during certain nighttime hours and bringing certain camping-related gear. Chang wants the department to hold a contested case...

Astronomers, Aloha Aina advocates respond Gov plan decommission Mauna Kea telescopes

Hawaii News Now: There are 13 telescopes on the summit of Mauna Kea -- 12 of which are currently working. By the time the Thirty Meter Telescope is operational, Governor David Ige says he wants at least three of those dismantled. It's not a new concept -- but rather, part of a state decommission plan that was drafted by the Office of Mauna Kea Management and went through a process of community review before it was approved by the Department of Land and Natural Resources in 2010. The University of Hawai'i leases...

Ige says work can resume on Mauna Kea; UH must decommission telescopes

Hawaii News Now: Governor David Ige is laying out his plan for the stewardship of Mauna Kea, as it relates to TMT construction and beyond. Governor Ige said, “My review found that the TMT project took the appropriate steps and received the approvals needed to move forward. The project has the right to proceed with construction, and the state will support and enforce its right to do so. We also acknowledge the right to protest this activity. We will protect the right to peaceful protest and will act to ensure the...

Mauna Kea defenders ask for OHA support

Hawaii News Now: Protect Mauna Kea advocates urged trustees with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to join them in opposing.the building of a thirty meter telescope on the mountain's summit. "We have risen. We have awakened. We have remembered," Kaleikoa Kaeo said. Leaders and supporters of the movement held signs at OHA's board meeting and begged the board to take a stand against the $1.4 billion project they believe will desecrate the mountain they call sacred. "Either we have a place to decide what is sacred...

Thousands on Oahu rally against Thirty Meter Telescope

Hawaii News Now: Thousands of people flooded Iolani Palace on Sunday to show their opposition of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) on Mauna Kea. Hawaiian activist Walter Ritte says about 3,500 people showed up for the seven-hour long event. "This is the time for Oahu to come and show their support, to become part of the voice that is going to protect Mauna Kea and that's going to build our nation again," Ritte said. Dozens of local entertainers volunteered their time and talents to put on a free concert for...