HILO >> Twenty individuals and groups have been accepted as parties in the Thirty Meter Telescope contested case hearing.

Retired Judge Riki May Amano fielded more than 30 applicants at a pre-conference hearing today in Hilo, allowing 20 to become parties to Department of Land and Natural Resources contested case proceedings that will determine whether a conservation district use permit should be granted for the controversial $1.4 million giant telescope project atop Mauna Kea.

Amano set a July 18 deadline for pre-hearing motions and an Aug. 5 meeting to rule on those motions. The hearing is expected to last through the fall.