The planned Thirty Meter Telescope

July 21, 2009 - Mauna Kea, Hawaii / Pasadena, California

It didn't take long after the big Thirty Meter Telescope announcement for figureheads to offer their comments about the powerful observatory declaring Mauna Kea as its preferred home.

Governor Linda Lingle quickly released a statement in favor of the news that she says establishes Hawaii as a center for global innovation for the future.

“As we work to address immediate fiscal and economic challenges facing the state,” Lingle said, “it is imperative that we also remain focused on investing in our long-term future and building the foundation for a diverse and robust economy. The TMT is another important advancement that will help us achieve long-term prosperity for Hawai‘i.”

University of Hawaii-Hilo Chancellor Rose Tseng responded that she's, “delighted that the Thirty Meter Telescope recognizes that the UH Mauna Kea Science Reserve is the best site for the world's most advanced telescope.” She adds that the TMT project is also a chance for UH-Hilo “to show that development on Mauna Kea can be done right.” UH-Hilo played an important role in TMT's Environmental Impact Statement process.

Lt. Governor James "Duke" Aiona also expressed his satisfaction over the news, saying it will keep Hawaii at the forefront of studying the universe. Aiona also echoed Tseng's awareness towards developing the site.

“Now that Hawaii has been selected, more work needs to be done to ensure the TMT can begin construction. Mauna Kea is a place of cultural significance and sacredness to Native Hawaiians. Any development will need to be handled in collaboration with Native Hawaiians.”

Amidst the happiness expressed by leaders over the technological and industrial benefits of the TMT project, others involved in bringing the project to the Big Island, like Pepeekeo farmer Richard Ha, cited other benefits.

“I can relate best to the $1 million dollar annual education fund that TMT will start funding when all the permits are obtained,” said Ha.

“I can remember when I was around 10 years old -- my Dad told stories that influenced me for the rest of my life. He told me that there wasn’t anything that I could not do. 'Not, no can. Can'! Education is the great equalizer. I can see the education fund opening up our children's imagination to endless possibilities.”

Over the next eight years, the TMT is expected to create employment opportunities for our residents, including hundreds of jobs in the construction and related industries, as well as an estimated 140 full-time employees once the project begins operations.