in honolulu, the governor and legislature, enthusiastic about the development, set aside an even larger area for the observatory after the initial project, causing opposition on the big island, in the city of hilo. native hawaiians (kānaka ʻōiwi) believed the entire site was sacred and that developing the mountain, even for science, would spoil the area. environmentalists were concerned about rare native bird populations and other citizens of hilo were concerned about the sight of the domes from the city. using town hall meetings, jefferies was able to overcome opposition by weighing the economic advantage and prestige the island would receive. there has been substantial opposition to the mauna kea observatories that continues to grow. over the years, the opposition to the observatories may have become the most visible example of the conflict science has encountered over access and use of environmental and culturally significant sites. opposition to development grew shortly after expansion of the observatories commenced. once access was opened up by the roadway to the summit, skiers began using it for recreation and objected when the road was closed as a precaution against vandalism when the telescopes were being built. hunters voiced concerns, as did the hawaiian audubon society who were supported by governor george ariyoshi.