THE LARGEST INVESTMENT IN ASTRONOMY TO BE MADE IN HAWAII WITH THIRTY METER TELESCOPE

The most powerful telescope in the world is on the way to being built in Hawaii atop Mauna Kea. This extraordinary $1.2 billion dollar investment in Hawaii’s astronomy industry is unprecedented and will confirm the State’s position as the global leader in this critical science. The EIS and Site Selection Manager for this project, involving a consortium of universities around the world, will present to the Hawaii Venture Capital Association Thursday, August 27, 2009.

Sandra Dawson, who has been leading the effort to meet Hawaii’s highest standards for building such a telescope will describe the project, the challenges and the threat by so called environmental activists and others who are trying to stop this most significant advancement in astronomy. The project is expected to create hundreds of high paying jobs not to mention 300 jobs in construction and related industries. Scientists from around the world will be coming to Hawaii for years to come. Students of astronomy and related sciences will have incredible learning opportunities.

Sandra Dawson is the Site Studies and EIS manager for the Thirty Meter Telescope project. She worked for the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab having led some of their largest projects.

“Like other large scale projects designed to advance understanding and create new ways to solve real world problems, this could be a great boon to Hawaii, according Bill Spencer, HVCA President. “Yet there are well funded “anti progress” forces that are using scare tactics, lies and other means to prevent this and other activities that advance progress from happening.”

"HVCA is committed to informing our members and friends about the facts and issues driving the TMT project and to expose opportunities it will create for entrepreneurs and investors.," he said.

This is expected to be a highly attended event. Please be sure to register as soon as possible.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

The Plaza Club 20th Floor

11:30am-1:30pm

$29 for HVCA, HTDC, Hawaii Angels, DualUse Council, TechHui, Bytemarks and HSTC Members, $39 non-members, $25 students.

PLEASE RESERVE EARLY.

THERE IS LIMITED SEATING AVAILABLE

FOR THIS EVENT.

Aloha attire is required by the Plaza Club.

Register at www.hvca.org or contact

Gail at 808-262-7329