PALEKAI, Hawaii – Keahi Warfield, the leader of the non-profit PUEO (Perpetuating Unique Educational Opportunities, Inc.) is taking a central role in the discussion surrounding the proposed Thirty Meter Telescope project.

Big Island Video News recently interviewed Warfield at Palekai, the home of Keaukaha’s Hokualaka’i canoe, where he spoke about PUEO’s vision and hopes for Mauna Kea.

Warfield said that although TMT has divided the community, he sees benefits in the $1.4 billion project, especially for the youth he mentors. Warfield also discussed his own history on the mountain; where his dad hunted and helped to lay fiber optic infrastructure, and where his brother did maintenance work for certain observatories.

Warfield also shared his thoughts on the opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope, his appreciation for those who are coming forward with renewed public support of TMT, and the impact the discussion is having in his community.

PUEO was recently accepted as an official participant in the Thirty Meter Telescope contested case hearing. They are supportive of the TMT observatory as a means for a better future for Hawaii’s youth.

THE OTHER SIDE: June 24 Anniversary Celebrated On Mauna Kea (video)