Foes of the largest telescope ever designed tied themselves together to block its construction Monday.
A group of Native Hawaiians are set on saving the historic summit of Mauna Kea, according to the Associated Press. A group of kupuna, or elders, sat in chairs and tied themselves together across the road to block crews from driving up the mountain.
Another group of protesters laid on the ground, shackling themselves under a grate in the road, while other locals sang and chanted their support for the spiritual and historical landmark.
Hours later, the road was officially closed. Officials said anyone in violation of the law would be prosecuted, which had happened in previous protests of the project.
However, there were no arrests immediately reported Monday morning.
Telescope opponent Jennifer Leina’ala Sleightholm said she expects protests to remain peaceful. “I don’t anticipate anybody will get out of hand,” she said. “We have never given them any reason to think that we would.” She continued saying that she is in hopes that the construction convoys will simply turn around and leave.
Scientists selected Mauna Kea in 2009 after a five-year, worldwide search for an ideal site to advance their knowledge about the origins of the universe. They hope that the massive telescope will allow them to see back to just after the Big Bang.
The $1.4 billion telescope boasts a primary mirror that is 98 feet in diameter, three times as wide as the current largest existing visible-light telescope, with nine times more area.
Gov. David Ige announced that unarmed National Guard units will assist in the transportation of personnel, supplies, as well as the enforcement of road closures. But they will not be used in any kind of law enforcement capacities in relation to the protests.
“As construction begins, our number one priority is keeping everyone safe,” Ige said in a news conference on Sunday. He also said that he “respected the right of people to protest” at the telescope site as long as protesters behaved lawfully.
