HONOLULU — Leaders of a fight against building a giant telescope on Maunakea are in California trying to convince a financial backer of the project to withdraw support.
Kealoha Pisciotta says she and other opponents of the Thirty Meter Telescope are scheduled to meet Wednesday with the president of a Palo Alto-based foundation established by Intel co-founder Gordon Moore and his wife.
The Gordon and Betty More Foundation pledged $250 million for the $1.4 billion project.
Foundation spokeswoman Holly Potter confirms the foundation agreed to a private meeting.
Pisciotta says it’s a last-ditch attempt to keep the telescope off Maunakea.
The Hawaii Supreme Court upheld the project’s construction permit.
Opponents say it will desecrate sacred land. Supporters say it will bring educational and economic opportunities to the state.