VIDEO: Gov. Ige gives an update on Thirty Meter Telescope protests from Hawaii island
DARYL LEE / SPECIAL TO THE HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER
Gov. David Ige spoke to reporters today at the Hilo Airport regarding the ongoing Thirty Meter Telescope protests at Mauna Kea.
Gov. David Ige today gave an update from Hawaii island on the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea.
Ige told reporters he is reviewing options to move the construction of the $1.4 billion project forward, adding that he never contemplated the use of tear gas on demonstrators on Mauna Kea.
“We are committed to the safety of everyone,” Ige said. “…We are looking at the best way to move forward without hurting anyone.”
Ige said he will not call in additional Hawaii National Guard troops at this time.
“We have been very patient with all those on Mauna Kea, but we will continue to enforce the law,” he said this afternoon.
Ige said there were reports of drugs and alcohol in the puuhonua on Puu Huluhulu, but said the state is not on the verge of clearing the activists camp.
He said authorities have told the organizers of the protest that drugs and alcohol were being used at the site, and asked the organizers to enforce the rules of the puuhonua.
