BLNR to Consider Judge’s Recommendation in TMT Contested Case Wednesday

An artist concept illustrating the TMT Observatory at the proposed site on Mauna Kea. Image courtesy of tmt.org

The Hawai‘i State Board of Land and Natural Resources will hear oral arguments in the Contested Case Hearing for the Conservation District Use Application for the Thirty Meter Telescope at the Mauna Kea Science Reserve, on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017 beginning at 9 a.m. in the Crown Room of the Grand Naniloa Hotel in Hilo, according to a news release from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

This is not a public hearing and members of the public will not be allowed to testify, argue, or otherwise present to the BLNR.

Minute Order No. 107, posted on Sept. 7, 2017 provides that each party to the contested case will have 15 minutes to present oral arguments. Up to five minutes of the 15 minutes may be reserved by parties for responding/rebuttal argument. Those rebuttal arguments will take place after all parties have completed their initial arguments. There are 23 parties to the contested case.

The DLNR is providing as much seating as possible for public observation, once space has been made for the parties. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Na Leo TV will provide live streaming of the oral arguments, but there will not be viewing available at the Grand Naniloa. Doors to the Crown Room will open at 8:30 a.m. for public entrance. There will be no reserving of seats and any seat that’s empty for more than ten minutes may be given to the next person in line waiting outside. Signs, posters, and other displays will not be allowed inside the Crown Room or on the hotel’s property. Food will not be allowed in the Crown Room.

DLNR continues to utilize expanded media coverage rules used during the TMT Contested Case Hearing and only designated pool media; Na Leo (broadcast) and the Hawai‘i Tribune-Herald (print) will be allowed to videotape or photograph the proceedings. All other audio and photographic documentation of oral arguments is not allowed.