KITV-4 10-13-15… “Prosecutor: Mauna Kea emergency rule cases to be dismissed”

This was not unexpected. But good news for the Mauna Kea protectors. The state has  exposed its illegal operations throughout the Mauna Kea affair. We shall see what ovvurs from here on out.

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Prosecutor: Mauna Kea emergency rule cases to be dismissed

HONOLULU —Hawaii County’s top prosecutor says cases are being dismissed against the people who were arrested or cited for violating an emergency rule aimed at stopping telescope protesters from camping on the Big Island’s Mauna Kea.

Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth said Tuesday his office will drop cases against the 14 people arrested and six people cited. One case had previously been dismissed.

Roth says the decision is based on a judge last week invalidating the state’s emergency rule that prohibited being on the mountain during certain nighttime hours.

A lawsuit argued the rule prevented telescope opposition at the expense of Native Hawaiian cultural practices and public expression.

Kuuipo Freitas was arrested for violating the rule last month. She says the state shouldn’t have enforced the rule while the lawsuit was pending.