When questioned by the opposition, the responses of U.H. witnesses were minimal and evasive. James Bell, project manager for the new telescopes, admitted,
"These proceedings put the project in jeopardy." So the scientists were not too friendly or cooperative in their responses. When scientists volunteered to answer questions more completely at the beginning, the U.H. lead attorney would often block their responses. The hearing officer finally coached the university witnesses to listen to their attorneys. As the hearings went on, the U.H. witnesses became even more close-mouthed. "I don't know" was their most common answer, as if something was being concealed.
The first of a series of prominent U.H. astronomers and managers to testify was Rolf-Peter Kudritzki, director of the U.H. Institute for Astronomy (IFA). He noted, "Mauna Kea is a unique mountain in the world for astronomical research. Its high altitude puts it free of clouds. Its isolated location is valuable. The atmosphere above the summit is extremely clear."
Kealoha Pisciotta, president of the Mauna Kea Anaina Hou group, noted, "This contested hearing is not about the merits of astronomy. It's about the environment." She worked at the observatory for a dozen years, supports astronomy, and asserted, "As taxpayers we fund the astronomy program. So we have a right to ask questions about it. There is a host culture here - Hawai'i. They must prove that this development complies with the law and will not hurt the environment or the people of Hawai'i and the community."
"These proceedings put the project in jeopardy." So the scientists were not too friendly or cooperative in their responses. When scientists volunteered to answer questions more completely at the beginning, the U.H. lead attorney would often block their responses. The hearing officer finally coached the university witnesses to listen to their attorneys. As the hearings went on, the U.H. witnesses became even more close-mouthed. "I don't know" was their most common answer, as if something was being concealed.
The first of a series of prominent U.H. astronomers and managers to testify was Rolf-Peter Kudritzki, director of the U.H. Institute for Astronomy (IFA). He noted, "Mauna Kea is a unique mountain in the world for astronomical research. Its high altitude puts it free of clouds. Its isolated location is valuable. The atmosphere above the summit is extremely clear."
Kealoha Pisciotta, president of the Mauna Kea Anaina Hou group, noted, "This contested hearing is not about the merits of astronomy. It's about the environment." She worked at the observatory for a dozen years, supports astronomy, and asserted, "As taxpayers we fund the astronomy program. So we have a right to ask questions about it. There is a host culture here - Hawai'i. They must prove that this development complies with the law and will not hurt the environment or the people of Hawai'i and the community."