Hawaii Extends Thirty Meter Telescope Permit Amid Protests

In a move intended to de-escalate a standoff between scientists and native Hawaiians blocking the construction of a massive telescope on a mountaintop they believe to be sacred land, Gov. David Ige on Tuesday night rescinded an emergency proclamation that was issued to help remove demonstrators.

Ige made the announcement at a press conference saying there are no immediate plans to move heavy construction equipment onto Mauna Kea, the intended site of the Thirty Meter Telescope, which is expected to be the largest in the world, looking farther back into space and time than any other instrument is capable of doing.

"Because TMT construction is not imminent, I am withdrawing the emergency proclamation effective immediately," Ige said in a tweet.

"I remain committed to moving forward with this project in a peaceful way and will continue efforts to engage the community."