PUKALANI, Hawaii (AP) — A decision is expected by the end of the year on whether to go ahead with construction of the world's largest optical solar telescope near the summit of Haleakala on Maui.
The National Science Foundation's board of directors will determine the fate of the $161 million Advanced Technology Solar Telescope.
Native cultural preservationists oppose the project because they say it's sacrilegious, unnecessary and ugly.
But astronomers and others view it as an opportunity to expand the world's knowledge of the sun and predict disasters.
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The federal government is accepting comments on the project until June 22. A series of public meetings are planned on Maui next month, and then a final environmental impact statement would need to be completed.
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Information from: The Maui News, http://www.mauinews.com