---
title: "Native Hawaiians Protest at New Observatory’s Construction Site"
description: "Hundreds of protesters in Hawaii blocked the start of construction on the Thirty Meter Telescope observatory, which would be built over cultural landmarks."
date: "2019-07-16"
modified: "2019-07-16"
authors:
  - name: "Dan Robitzski"
    link: "https://futurism.com/authors/danrobitzski"
url: "https://futurism.com/the-byte/hawaiians-protest-observatory-construction"
categories:
  - "Future Society"
tags:
  - "Astronomy"
  - "culture"
  - "space"
  - "the digest"
---

# Native Hawaiians Protest at New Observatory’s Construction Site

![Hundreds of protesters in Hawaii blocked the start of construction on the Thirty Meter Telescope observatory, which would be built over cultural landmarks.](<https://futurism.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/hawaiians-protest-observatory-construction.jpg>)
*\<em\>Image: TMT International Observatory\</em\>*

## Peaceful Demonstration

Hundreds of Hawaiian protesters blocked construction vehicles from commencing work on the [Thirty Meter Telescope](<https://futurism.com/the-latest-super-telescopes-will-let-you-see-space-like-never-before>), an observatory expected to be built on the summit of Mauna Kea, a culturally-significant volcanic peak.

The Hawaiian Supreme Court approved the plan in an October ruling and the observatory has all its permits in order, [per *NBC*](<https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/hawaii-supreme-court-upholds-permit-thirty-meter-telescope-n926756>). But activist leaders at Monday's protest [told *the Associated Press*](<https://www.apnews.com/3076af06bf364e92a8dc4d36ef076b79>) they're prepared for a "prolonged struggle" against the project. It's a harrowing reminder that scientific progress and cultural values can sometimes stand in stark opposition to each other.

## Getting Crowded

The Thirty Meter Telescope would be the largest visible-light telescope in the world and would be used in the hunt [for more exoplanets](<https://futurism.com/the-byte/nasa-incredible-map-4000-exoplanets>). Mauna Kea's peak would provide a clear view of space with little obstruction from clouds or light pollution, according to the *AP*. The view is so good that roughly a dozen other telescopes are already there.

"Located above approximately 40 percent of Earth's atmosphere, \[Mauna Kea\] has a climate that is particularly stable, dry, and cold; all of which are important characteristics for capturing the sharpest images and producing the best science," reads a TMT International Observatory statement [reviewed by *NPR*](<https://www.npr.org/2019/07/15/741990200/hawaii-protesters-block-access-road-to-stop-construction-of-massive-telescope>).

## At What Cost

The nonviolent protesters blocked construction vehicles from reaching the site for the planned groundbreaking in order to protect the volcano's religious altars and burial grounds, according to *NPR*.

"It was a test of our fortitude," activist Walter Ritte told the AP. "This mountain is like our last stand."

READ MORE: [Hawaii protesters vow 'prolonged struggle' against telescope](<https://www.apnews.com/3076af06bf364e92a8dc4d36ef076b79>) \[*The Associated Press*\]

**More on the observatory:** *[The Latest Super Telescopes Will Let You See Space Like Never Before](<https://futurism.com/the-latest-super-telescopes-will-let-you-see-space-like-never-before>)*

## Author
Dan Robitzki is a senior reporter for Futurism, where he likes to cover AI, tech ethics, and medicine. He spends his extra time fencing and streaming games from Los Angeles, California.

### Author social links  
[Twitter](<https://x.com/danrobitzski>)