For Immediate Release: July 21, 2009
DBEDT Release News 09-20

HONOLULU—The announcement today by the board of directors of the TMT Observatory Corporation that Mauna Kea was selected as the site for the $1.2 billion Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) means significant new employment opportunities for the state.

The TMT project will create hundreds of jobs in the construction and related industries, and as many as 140 full-time employees once the project begins.

"This was a true community effort that will help Hawai‘i's economy," said Theodore E. Liu, director of the Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. "The TMT is an important advancement that will help the construction sector, as well as broaden our Science and Technology sector."

Mauna Kea has been recognized as ideal for star gazers since ancient times and is still rated as one of the best astronomical sites in the world. At its summit, Mauna Kea is above about 40% of Earth's atmosphere and 90% of any water vapor. This creates exceptionally clear images of the night sky.

"This selection reaffirms Hawai‘i's value as a strategic location for technology ventures," Liu said. "Astronomy continues to be an important segment of an array of scientific initiatives that are active here."

For more information, contact:
Dave Young, DBEDT Communications
Phone: (808) 587-1212
Email: dyoung@dbedt.hawaii.gov