HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii’s Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal by opponents of a giant telescope project on Mauna Kea.
Contested-case hearings are still underway for the permit to build the telescope, but a group of opponents filed an appeal to the high court last month. They appealed various decisions, including time limits for parties to question witnesses.
The court ruled Friday to dismiss the appeal for lack of appellate jurisdiction. The court didn’t elaborate.
Hawaii’s land board urged the court to quickly dismiss the appeal. State lawyers called it premature because no decision has been made on whether the Thirty Meter Telescope will receive a construction permit.
Telescope spokesman Scott Ishikawa said Monday project officials are pleased with the ruling. He says it shows that the process is fair.