From The Associated Press:

Opponents of a plan to build the world’s largest optical telescope at the summit of Hawaii’s Mauna Kea volcano are appealing their case in the state courts.

Environmental groups and petitioners say building the Thirty Meter Telescope will harm the mountain’s natural resources, undermine its scenery and destroy areas of historic importance.

Kealoha Piscottia, president of Mauna Kea Anaina Hou, one of the groups, said last month that she and others appealing aren’t opposed to astronomy.

Piscottia said that she worked as a telescope operator for 12 years and many of the others filing the appeal are either amateur astronomers or related to amateur astronomers. Read the full story.

And here’s the latest in other neighbor isle gov’t and politics:

Trash from abandoned homes flowing down Waihohonu Stream 

Hawaii Mars food mission wins $1.2M from NASA 

“Cut us a little slack,” Baisa says of Maui budget

Repeal of Iniki ordinance could affect Coco Palms rebuild

Big Isle scuba spearfishing ban cut from rules package

Mala ramp must be closed for two months, replaced

Kauai affordable housing water fee hikes create splash

Kauai County still not backing biodiesel proposal

Compliance “high” during Maui Click It, Ticket campaign

Young Brothers: Molokai saw increase in agricultural cargo

Opponents appeal permit for Mauna Kea telescope

Photo courtesy Navin75.

—Chad Blair