The state Land Board voted 5 to 2 in favor of approving the construction permit for the controversial telescope.
In addition to approving the permit, the board adopted 43 conditions including Governor Ige’s detailed 10-point plan requiring the University of Hawaii to decommission three existing telescopes, any future development to occur on existing sites, and the TMT site to be the last new site on Mauna Kea.
Several other provisions include:
- Waste minimization plan for hazardous & solid waste, including a zero discharge wastewater system
- Cultural and natural resources training for workers.
- No impact to water resources under the public trust doctrine, Lake Waiau hydrology and water resources considerations.
- Educational exhibits, specific community outreach efforts and cultural observation days.
- Continued public access and continuing consultations with cultural practitioners.
- Anthropod monitoring and Wekiu bug habitat restoration study.
Board and DLNR Chair Suzanne Case said, "This was one of the most difficult decisions this Board has ever made. The members greatly respected and considered the concerns raised by those opposed to the construction of the Thirty-Meter Telescope at the Mauna Kea Science Reserve."
The full copy of the Board's findings and conclusions are below:
