Hawaii's TMT project on chopping block amid federal cuts
A federal funding cut could mean major changes for the project's future.
New mayor's support reignites TMT debate
The TMT has been the center of fierce opposition and protest for years. Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda used to be against the project and even took part in the 2019 protests, but a new authority has been in charge since 2022 and his stance has changed.
'Nine of 11 of us are Hawaiian. So that's like, the perfect mix to make this decision of what's best for the mountain. So I was thrilled,' Alameda said.
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Alameda said Native Hawaiian voices were finally leading the decision making when the Mauna Kea Stewardship and Oversight Authority was created.
'Not just for Hawaii, but I'm also fighting for Hawaiians because the 30 meter telescope allows us leverage to make the mountain better,' he said. 'What's the leverage to decommission five or six other telescopes? So, I don't think people realize that, you know, you don't want to throw the baby out with the bathwater.'
The National Science Foundation said it will not fund TMT through its final design phase due to budget cuts, despite the local momentum. The National Science Foundation will instead back the completion of the Giant Magellan Telescope that is already under construction in Chile.
Anti-telescope protesters oppose US attorney pick for Hawaii
'The Thirty Meter Telescope is one of the most compelling American opportunities in this generation. It is designed to explore the earliest galaxies, probe the nature of dark matter and dark energy, and search for life on exoplanets. Mauna Kea is the premier northern hemisphere site for astronomy, and TMT will enable the United States to demonstrate global leadership, while setting new standards for partnerships with the community where it wishes to be built and operated,' TMT project manager Fengchuan Liu said in a statement.
'We are disappointed that the NSF's current budget request does not include TMT, but we remain firmly committed to finding a path forward for TMT,' Liu's statement continued. 'We can imagine a future in which NSF participation in the TMT would open opportunities for significant discovery to the entire US science community, and welcome further conversations to make this a reality.'
'As ever, we appreciate our many supporters who share a common vision for future generations, and for excellence, as we strive to bring TMT to all the communities engaged with us,' Liu concluded.
Check out more news from around Hawaii
The Mauna Kea Authority has the final say on land use decisions — including whether TMT can move forward — but the future of the telescope remains uncertain whiteout federal funding.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Mark Gelbman, financial advisor and owner of Strategic Wealth Solutions, outlined a few areas for families and individuals to consider: The 2017 tax cuts have received a permanent extension, providing long-term certainty for households regarding their tax liabilities. The child tax credit has increased from $2,000 to $2,200. 'Trump Accounts' have been introduced with a one-time deposit of $1,000 from the federal government for children born from 2024 to 2028. According to Gelbman, families receive a 'baby bonus' via the savings vehicle for the next four years — which allows for tax-free growth on contributions up to $5,000 annually until the child turns 18. Americans ages 65 and over will be allowed a $6,000 deduction for tax relief purposes. However, Gelbman said qualifying seniors are individuals who earn no more than $75,000 a year or married couples who make $150,000. 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Sallenave recommends leaning into the habit of talking about finances with your partner, family members and friends. Meet With a Financial Advisor If you made it to the end of this list, you might have questions and thoughts regarding your financial bigger picture. Make time to meet with a financial advisor, ask questions and get answers to better plan for the year ahead. More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban Warns of 'Red Rural Recession' -- 4 States That Could Get Hit Hard 5 Cities You Need To Consider If You're Retiring in 2025 Mark Cuban Tells Americans To Stock Up on Consumables as Trump's Tariffs Hit -- Here's What To Buy This article originally appeared on 50 Money Moves To Make Before the End of 2025 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
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