FILE - This Aug. 31, 2015, file photo shows telescopes on the summit of Mauna Kea on Hawaii's Big Island. Hawaii's land board will hear arguments over a judge's recommendation that a construction permit be granted for a giant telescope planned for a Hawaii mountain summit that some consider sacred. The $1.4 billion project is embroiled in another round of hearings after the state Supreme Court invalidated a construction permit the land board previously issued. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones, File)
The Associated Press
HONOLULU (AP) - Hawaii's land board is hearing arguments for and against building a giant telescope on a mountain some consider sacred.
Wednesday's hearing in a Hilo hotel comes after the retired judge overseeing contested-case hearings for the Thirty Meter Telescope recommended granting the project a construction permit. Riki May Amano issued her recommendation in July after hearing testimony that spanned 44 days.
Opponents and supporters are echoing much of the arguments made during those oftentimes emotional days of testimony.
Telescope attorney Douglas Ing says there's no rational reason why Native Hawaiian religious rights would be affected by developing the project.
Telescope opponent Kahookahi Kanuha says it's up to Native Hawaiians to determine which places are sacred and how they should be protected.
It's not clear when the board will make a decision.
The Hawaii State Board of Land and Natural Resources hears arguments for and against building a giant telescope on a mountain some consider sacred Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, in Hilo, Hawaii. Wednesday's hearing comes after the retired judge overseeing contested-case hearings for the Thirty Meter Telescope recommended granting the project a construction permit. Riki May Amano issued her recommendation in July after hearing testimony that spanned 44 days. (Hollyn Johnson/Hawaii Tribune-Herald via AP)
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Lincoln Ashida, of Puueo, gives an oral argument for construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope as the Hawaii State Board of Land and Natural Resources hears arguments for and against building a giant telescope on a mountain some consider sacred Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, in Hilo, Hawaii. Wednesday's hearing comes after the retired judge overseeing contested-case hearings for the Thirty Meter Telescope recommended granting the project a construction permit. Riki May Amano issued her recommendation in July after hearing testimony that spanned 44 days. (Hollyn Johnson/Hawaii Tribune-Herald via AP)
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Mehana Kihoi gives an oral argument against the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope as the Hawaii State Board of Land and Natural Resources hears arguments for and against building a giant telescope on a mountain some consider sacred Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, in Hilo, Hawaii. Wednesday's hearing comes after the retired judge overseeing contested-case hearings for the Thirty Meter Telescope recommended granting the project a construction permit. Riki May Amano issued her recommendation in July after hearing testimony that spanned 44 days. (Hollyn Johnson/Hawaii Tribune-Herald via AP)
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Members of the crowd cheer while Mehana Kihoi gives an oral argument against the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope as the Hawaii State Board of Land and Natural Resources hears arguments for and against building the giant telescope on a mountain some consider sacred Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017, in Hilo, Hawaii. Wednesday's hearing comes after the retired judge overseeing contested-case hearings for the Thirty Meter Telescope recommended granting the project a construction permit. Riki May Amano issued her recommendation in July after hearing testimony that spanned 44 days. (Hollyn Johnson/Hawaii Tribune-Herald via AP)
The Associated Press