The Supreme Court of Hawaii announced on Tuesday that it has temporarily suspended the permit that allows the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) on land considered to be sacred by native Hawaiians.
The suspension was issued in response to a motion filed by the Mauna Kea Hui on Monday. The group argued that the building project would cause irreversible damaged to the TMT site located on the northern plateau of Mauna Kea.
Officials said the temporary stay will remain in effect until Dec. 2, or until another order is issued by the court.
"That is excellent news," said Kealoha Pisciotta, leader of the Mauna Kea Hui.
Pisciotta explained that they were hoping the Supreme Court would grant their request to have the construction of the giant telescope placed on hold while an official ruling on the project's fate is still being decided.
"They're putting everyone at risk by going forward," Pisciotta said.
"They should be yielding and making sure everything is done legally, lawfully and correctly."
Richard Naiwieha Wurdeman, attorney of the TMT opponents, said no construction work can be made on Mauna Kea while the suspension is in place.
Hawaii Gov. David Ige, however, said that the TMT is only sending a crew to conduct repairs and equipment maintenance. He asserted that this does not translate to beginning construction work on the giant telescope.
Ige pointed out that the TMT's planned maintenance work is designed to help protect the environment and ensure the public's safety as the winter season begins. He said it is not the start of building activities on the Thirty Meter Telescope.
"As governor, I am committed to upholding the law and providing safe access for those who need to get to the summit of Mauna Kea, and that includes those involved with the TMT project," Ige said.
"Our primary concern is for the safety of all."
Leaders of various groups opposed to the building of the Thirty Meter Telescope called on their supporters to gather on Mauna Kea while anticipatin the TMT construction crew that were scheduled to start work on Wednesday.
