HILO, Hawaii – Wilma Holi – a resident of Hanapepe, Kauai – took the stand on Thursday during the ongoing Thirty Meter Telescope contested case hearing in Hilo.

Holi testified as a witness called by hearing officer Riki May Amano. Early in the pre-hearing process, Amano gave participants the opportunity to present information as a witness rather than a full participant. Although Holi took the option to appear as a witness for the hearing officer, she has been faithfully present for the entire contested case proceeding.

Holi relayed her experiences with the Section 106 consultation process, burials, and Polynesian culture. Part of her written direct testimony included a letter she submitted to the University of Hawaii Board of Regents during a special meeting held in April 2015 in which she informed regents of the cultural importance of Mauna Kea and that the lands of the mountain “remain secure with the Kingdom of Hawaii”.

READ: Direct written testimony of Wilma Holi