Scientists hope the massive telescope they plan to build atop Hawaii's highest peak, a world-renowned location for astronomy, will help them peer back to the time just after the Big Bang and answer fundamental questions about the universe.
But the site where they plan to build is considered sacred by some Native Hawaiians — a realm of gods and a place of worship and prayer.
The project already has been delayed by years of legal battles and demonstrations, drawing attention from the likes of"Aquaman" actor Jason Momoa, who has Native Hawaiian ancestry and has voiced opposition to the telescope.Protests disrupted a groundbreaking and Hawaiian blessing ceremony at the site in 2014. After that, the demonstrations intensified.
According to the University of Hawaii, ancient Hawaiians considered the location kapu, or forbidden. Only the highest-ranking chiefs and priests were allowed to make the long trek to Mauna Kea's summit above the clouds.
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