State subpoenas Hawaiian affairs agency’s protest support

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HILO — The Office of Hawaiian Affairs says the state attorney general’s office is demanding information about how the agency is supporting protesters blocking construction of a giant telescope.

OHA spokesman Sterling Wong says the attorney general’s office subpoenaed the agency to provide documents related to efforts to ensure safety and welfare of beneficiaries on Maunakea.

The semi-autonomous state agency is tasked with improving the conditions of Native Hawaiians.

Thirty Meter Telescope opponents have been blocking the mountain’s access road since July.

Wong says the agency is inclined to cooperate if the scope and purpose of the requests are legitimate.

Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports attorney general spokesman Krishna Jayaram declined to release a copy of the subpoena.