Over the past few years, Mauna Kea has been the center of many debates regarding the addition of more telescopes. Because of our isolation and Mauna Kea’s height, many believe that this is the the optimal place to build more telescopes. Conversely, many community members, especially Kanaka Maoli, are against any more defilement of this sacred mountain.
Govenor Lingle is supporting this new initiative to build the largest 98 feet diameter (30 meter) telescope. Here’s an article from the Hawai’i Tribune Herald about this new development.