Dozens of TMT supporters turn out for rally

HILO -- Yvonne Verburgt of Hilo is a retired chemist, a substitute teacher, and on Thursday, she was one of nearly 100 people lined up along Kanoelehua Avenue in support of the long-contested Thirty Meter Telescope.

Verburgt stood with the crowd gathered on the busy Hilo thoroughfare holding a handmade sign that read “TMT = Education.”

Passing cars frequently honked in support, which was met with cheers from the crowd.

“We’ve been called the silent majority who support TMT,” Verburgt said. “We’re scientists. We’re engineers. So public rallies and everything is probably not our strong suit, but this is such an important issue for all of us that we just have to come out.”

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