A contentious TMT hearing nears its end

More than four months after it began, the contested-case hearing on the proposed Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea is finally coming to a close. Let’s hope the abundance of time and effort to hear out more than 50 witnesses will allow the controversial $1.4 billion project to proceed above reproach in the process.

But what a process still lies ahead: After concluding the hearing this week, hearing officer Riki May Amano will recommend to the state Land Board whether to approve or reject a conservation district use permit to the land lessee (the University of Hawaii), at which time parties can voice agreement or disagreement. Whatever the board’s decision, it likely will end up before the state Supreme Court. Good luck on making the TMT’s self-imposed deadline to start construction by April 2018.

Lava hose attracts safe and unsafe viewing alike

While the Coast Guard has no say over how close boats may edge toward an unstable coastline where a spectacular Kilauea Volcano lava fire hose is pouring into the ocean, it can slap hefty fines on captains operating charters without proper license credentials. Last week, a boater was ordered to stop operating his unlicensed passenger vessel or face civil fines of up to $40,000. Here’s hoping the threat to the wallet will keep illegal charters docked. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, meanwhile, is advising legit boaters to keep a safe distance to avoid explosions and flying debris. Boaters and tourists eager to snap their own award-winning photos must take care to ensure their efforts don’t fetch a Darwin Award.