UPDATED: The ruling says the state Board of Land and Natural Resources properly granted a conservation district permit for Mauna Kea.

Kalei Akaka and Esther Kia‘aina will face off for the Oahu trustee seat while three incumbents advance with three challengers to November.

Justice Michael Wilson said he didn’t read the messages from Sam Gon, a member of the state board that approved the telescope project.

The ruling prevents another contested case hearing, but a construction permit appeal is still pending before the court.

Opponents say a state appeals judge had a conflict of interest when she granted a permit for the project.

The giant telescope could still be moved to Spain, but the TMT board of governors prefers Mauna Kea.

The bill would limit the number of telescopes on the mountaintop and authorize the new manager to renegotiate leases and permits pertaining to the mountain.

Construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea was approved by the BLNR in September.

Protesters were able to delay construction atop Mauna Kea two years ago. They’ll likely try to do so again.

UPDATED: Plans for the $1.4 billion telescope have caused bitter divisions, with some Native Hawaiians saying it will desecrate Mauna Kea.

Anaina Hou group isn’t satisfied with an offer from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to provide access to the documents.

Hearing officer Riki May Amano, a retired judge, will have her hands full keeping order in this forum.