Ward is with the Sierra Club and has been a strong advocate for the preservation of Mauna Kea.

"Why is Mauna Kea allowed to be desecrated and not St. Peter's," questioned Neves.

"This is where our Kupuna used to pray," said Kalani Flores, who displayed maps that showed a sprinkling of numbers.

Flores said newer maps no longer show where those sites are.

The TMT would be the 14th telescope built on Mauna Kea and by far the largest.

Opponents say the 30-meter telescope would be built on Mauna Kea's Northern Plateau beause there simply isn't any room left on the summit.

"The proposition that an 18-story, 5-acre industrial structure proposal, to be built in a natural landmark and would have no significant impact, boggles the imagination," said Ward.

"This is not a denial of due process, but a failure of proof," said Tim Lui-Kwan, who is an attorney for the University of Hawaii.

UH has several telescopes on Mauna Kea and would benefit from the astronomical and scientific research done with the 30-meter telescope.

A 126 page report released in November 2012, determined the project satisfied all of the requirements to start building, including extensive training and research to avoid cultural and environmental harm, and dedicating millions to educational programs.