The 2019 protests helped convince Hawaii's leaders they needed a new approach to managing Mauna Kea, which would be the site of the TMT.

Some members of the new panel, including former TMT protesters, may find their values challenged now that they have a vote over what happens to Hawaii's tallest mountain.

The National Science Foundation also said it plans to host four meetings on the Big Island in August as it decides on whether to fund the project.

Updated: But the researchers said that funding should be contingent on better engagement with Native Hawaiians on Mauna Kea and other conditions.

Doug Simons is taking over the Institute for Astronomy at a critical time for the agency and for astronomy in the state.

But Mayor Harry Kim won't be subject to the charges since he has already left office.

Voters also chose County Council members and decided the fate of numerous charter amendments.

Camp elders promised to return if construction is planned to resume.

Telescope project developers blamed the cost increase on construction delays including protests that have blocked construction for months.

Japan is part of an international consortium backing the embattled project.