{"id":33174,"date":"2015-03-31T17:34:44","date_gmt":"2015-04-01T03:34:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=33174"},"modified":"2021-09-23T12:29:24","modified_gmt":"2021-09-23T22:29:24","slug":"thirty-meter-telescope-update-and-background","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2015\/03\/31\/thirty-meter-telescope-update-and-background\/","title":{"rendered":"Thirty Meter Telescope update and background"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 3<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

\"Maunakea\"<\/p>\n

The construction phase beginning on the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT<\/abbr>)<\/a> project on Maunakea on Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Island has prompted protests and media coverage. The telescope is being built in the 525-acre Astronomy Precinct, which is the only area astronomy development can take place. It is part of the 11,288-acre Maunakea Science Reserve that UH<\/abbr> has leased from the Department of Land and Natural Resources<\/a> since 1968.<\/p>\n

UH<\/abbr> supports the TMT<\/abbr> project because it contributes significantly to the university’s mission of advancing knowledge. With a primary mirror thirty meters in diameter, the TMT<\/abbr> will have nine times the light collecting area of the largest telescopes now on Maunakea. It will be able to see much fainter and more distant objects than is possible with existing telescopes and to study them in greater detail. It will help to maintain Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>’s worldwide leadership in astronomy.<\/p>\n

The Office of Maunakea Management<\/h2>\n

Through the Office of Maunakea Management<\/a>, which reports directly to the UH<\/abbr> Hilo<\/a> Chancellor, UH<\/abbr> is responsible for the sustainable management and stewardship of the Maunakea Science Reserve. The university understands that Maunakea is one of the most culturally significant sites in Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>.<\/p>\n

The Master Plan adopted in 2000 by the UH<\/abbr> Board of Regents requires community based management that protects, balances, integrates and enhances Maunakea’s resources while providing a world-class center dedicated to education, research and astronomy. The university is also responsible for providing safe access for everyone on the mountain: local residents, observatory personnel, cultural practitioners, visitors and UH<\/abbr> staff.<\/p>\n

UH<\/abbr>’s commitment to free speech<\/h2>\n

UH<\/abbr> is committed to the free and open exchange of ideas and affirms the rights of all individuals to engage in their first amendment right to free speech. The university respects everyone opposed to the TMT<\/abbr> project and their right to a lawful protest.<\/p>\n

The open and extensive public process<\/h2>\n

Over the last seven years, TMT<\/abbr> has met all legal requirements in obtaining the necessary permits to build a next generation telescope from the Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Department of Land and Natural Resources and the County of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span>, including a sublease from the university.<\/p>\n

More than 20 public hearings have been held during the process and the project has been approved by then Governor Neil Abercrombie, the UH<\/abbr> Board of Regents and the Board of Land and Natural Resources. The Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> County Mayor and Office of Hawaiian Affairs along with numerous unions and Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> Island community groups have expressed support. The project has also cleared legal challenges and was upheld in the Third Circuit Court.<\/p>\n