Hawaii limits access to Mauna Kea amid telescope protests

July 11, 2015 at 5:23 a.m. | Updated July 11, 2015 at 5:35 a.m.

by Associated Press

FILE - This undated file artist rendering made available by the TMT Observatory Corporation shows the proposed Thirty Meter Telescope, planned to be built atop Mauna Kea, a large dormand volcano in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii in Hawaii. After months of protesters camping on Mauna Kea to block construction of the giant telescope near its summit, the state is trying to limit their access to the mountain, which is held sacred by many Native Hawaiians. (AP Photo/TMT Observatory Corporation, File) NO SALES; MANDATORY CREDIT
FILE - This undated file artist rendering made available by the TMT Observatory Corporation shows the proposed Thirty Meter Telescope, planned to be built atop Mauna Kea, a large dormand volcano in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii in Hawaii. After months of protesters camping on Mauna Kea to block construction of the giant telescope near its summit, the state is trying to limit their access to the mountain, which is held sacred by many Native Hawaiians. (AP Photo/TMT Observatory Corporation, File) NO SALES; MANDATORY CREDIT

HONOLULU (AP) - Hawaii officials have voted to impose an emergency rule to restrict access to Mauna Kea after protesters blocked construction of a giant telescope.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports (http://bit.ly/1LXtiYJ ) that the Board of Land and Natural Resources voted 5-2 Friday night on the 120-day rule. The rule restricts being within a mile of the mountain's access road during certain nighttime hours, unless in a moving vehicle, and prohibits camping gear.

It would allow construction to resume on the Thirty Meter Telescope, the subject of months of protests. Many Native Hawaiians consider the mountain sacred.

More than 100 people testified during the eight-hour meeting. The board went into executive session around 9 p.m. and came out for deliberations after 10 p.m.

Protest leaders say they won't stop keeping constant vigil on the mountain.

Upcoming Events