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The enemies of the largest telescope ever designed tied up to block its construction on Monday.
According to the Associated Press, a group of indigenous Hawaiians is about to save Mauna Kea 's historic summit. A group of kupuna, or elders, sat on a chair and tied themselves together on the road to prevent crews from getting on the mountain.
Another group of protesters lay on the ground, hugging a grid on the road, while other residents sang and chanted their support for the historic and spiritual monument.
A few hours later, the road was officially closed. Officials said anyone who broke the law would be prosecuted, as was the case in previous protests against the project.
However, no arrests were reported immediately Monday morning.
Telescope opponent Jennifer Leina'ala Sleightholm said she expected the protests to remain peaceful. "I do not think anyone will go out of control," she said. "We never gave them any reason to think we would do it." She went on to say that she hoped the construction convoys would turn around and leave.
The scientists chose Mauna Kea in 2009 after five years of global research to find an ideal site to advance their knowledge of the origins of the universe. They hope that the massive telescope will allow them to see right after the Big Bang.
The $ 1.4 billion telescope features a 98-foot-diameter main mirror, three times larger than the largest existing visible-light telescope, with a nine-fold greater surface area.
Governor David Ige announced that unarmed units of the National Guard would help transport personnel, supplies and implement road closure measures. But they will not be used in any way by the forces of order in connection with the demonstrations.
"At the beginning of the work, our number one priority is to protect everyone," Ige said at a press conference Sunday. He also stated that he "respected the right of people to protest" on the telescope site, provided that the protesters behaved in a lawful manner.
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