Claim vs Truth #2: Lasers

CLAIM:

The lasers emitted from the observatories carry harmful radiation that affect the surrounding environment on the mauna.

TRUTH:

It's just regular photons that help detect atmospheric distortion. In a nutshell it helps the telescope achieve clearer images by calibrating itself based on atmospheric distortion.

Additional info on these lasers: Science Blogs

Claim vs Truth #1: Wekiu Bug

Claim:

”The wekiu bug, found at the top of the Mauna Kea summit, was removed from the endangered species list so that TMT could be built.

Truth:

1) "In October 2011, the species was removed from the list of candidate species in need of Endangered Species Act protection, after conservation actions helped stabilize population numbers."

Source: US Fish & Wildlife Service (https://www.fws.gov/endangered/about/ep_23_2011.html)

2)"Regular monitoring of this native species was begun in 2002; with additional monitoring of potential invasive species threats to the bug included beginning 2007.... Monitoring and conservation efforts occur year-round. Traps to detect non-native arthropods are kept continuously in Halepōhaku facilities and checked monthly."

Source: Office of Mauna Kea Management (http://www.malamamaunakea.org/news/5/…/It-s-Wekiu-Bug-Season)