If 62 percent of participants in a statewide poll support moving ahead with construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope, then why sit idle? That seems to be the attitude of the TMT International Observatory Board of Directors. Henry Yang, board chairman, said a small crew would travel to the summit of Mauna Kea to conduct site preparation activities, including equipment maintenance and repairs. No specific start date was given.

A Hawaii Supreme Court decision on the project is pending, but TMT developers might have gotten a boost of confidence from its poll results. “Protectors” of the mountain vowed to stand strong. Stay tuned.

For Ala Wai boat harbor, nothing but a debt

On the whole, it was the right decision to pull the plug on the state’s lease with Honey Bee USA Inc., the development partner picked to carry out the Waikiki Landing plan at the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor.

That long-stalled redevelopment blueprint would have brought desperately needed improvements to the harbor facilities,as well as eateries, entertainment spots and a wedding chapel. But the partner couldn’t make finances work — as evidenced by the $562,932 the company owes the state in rent. It’s unfortunate that the harbor users remain in limbo. We want to see a partnership succeed, along with getting back our half-mil.