Hurdles still remain for Thirty Meter Telescope

Lest we forget what an obstacle-laden path still lies before the proposed Thirty Meter Telescope, one hurdle cleared only takes the project closer to the next one. With a lengthy contested case hearing just concluded, hearing officer Riki May Amano now must craft a recommendation to the state Land Board, which is deciding whether to approve a conservation use permit for TMT atop Mauna Kea. Then, whatever the board decides likely will be appealed to Hawaii’s Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, the state is appealing a judge’s December ruling that indicated the Land Board should have granted a separate contested case hearing for TMT’s Mauna Kea sublease. The April target to begin construction is approaching fast. Tick tock.

The perils of whistleblowing for all parties

Whistleblowing can be a risky business. The employee calling out questionable behavior risks retaliation on the job. The employer risks a lawsuit if such retaliation occurs. Things can get expensive very quickly.

Case in point: a federal whistleblower lawsuit by Lesli Lyn Otani, the former Maui highways chief, who claims she was fired because she reported alleged misconduct by employees. The other side of the story hasn’t emerged yet, so it’s too early to know the merits of Otani’s case.

Nonetheless, it’s a cautionary tale. Legal experts recommend that employers handle whistleblowing situations dispassionately, treating the employee with respect, and correcting reported abuses expediently. Otherwise, they may end up where no one wants to be — in court.