HILO, Hawaii – For the second time in recent weeks supporters of the Thirty Meter Telescope lined the highway fronting the Waiakea Center by Walgreens in Hilo, waving signs and throwing shakas.

The second contested case hearing on the conservation district use permit allowing the $1.4 billion observatory on Mauna Kea is only weeks away. Both sides are gearing up to make their argument.

During Saturday’s sign waving, TMT supporter and Office of Mauna Kea Management cultural officer Wally Ishibashi talked about the resurgence of these roadside displays, which were more common in the days of the first contested case back in 2011.

Ishibashi also talked about PUEO, the new group of Native Hawaiians in support of TMT, and the questions surrounding the DLNR’s chosen hearings officer, retired Judge Riki May Amano.