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Hawaii Seeks Peaceful End to Telescope Protests

Associated Press

   HONOLULU - Officials in Hawaii said Friday that they will not call up
   additional National Guard troops or use force on peaceful telescope
   protesters blocking access to the state's highest peak.

   Gov. David Ige said that his priority is to keep everyone in the
   community safe, including the activists at the base of Mauna Kea. The
   80 guard members on the Big Island since the start of the protests will
   remain, state officials said.

   "We will not be utilizing tear gas, as some of the rumors have been
   (saying)," Ige said. "We are looking for the best way forward without
   hurting anyone."

   The governor said last week that National Guard units would be used to
   transport personnel and equipment as well as to enforce road closures.

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