Citing changed conditions atop Mauna Kea, Governor David Ige has withdrawn his emergency proclamation. During a press conference, Ige told reporters that the Department of Land and Natural Resources have approved a two year deadline extension to begin construction on the Thirty Meter Telescope.
Ige said Tuesday that there is no immediate plan to move construction equipment up the mountain and hopes that withdrawing the emergency order will ease tensions as two hurricanes approach the state.
According to officials, Mauna Kea Access Road will remain closed, despite the altered timeline. Law enforcement will remain on-site, as weather permits.
The emergency proclamation was enacted on July 17 to give law enforcement more authority to close areas of the mountain and to use additional National Guard troops to help deliver construction gear.
Telescope opponents have blocked the Mauna Kea access road for 16 days because some Native Hawaiians say the summit of the volcano is sacred.
The site is considered among the best places on Earth for astronomy.
This is a developing story, please check back for updates.
