Maui professor sentenced in 2015 telescope protest case

WAILUKU, Hawaii (AP) - A professor who was one of 20 people arrested during a protest over the construction of a solar telescope on Maui last year has been ordered to pay a $200 fine for disorderly conduct.

The Maui News reports Samuel Kaeo was sentenced Wednesday in connection with the July 2015 protest of the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope at the Haleakala summit.

Prosecutors had sought 15 days jail time for Kaeo, noting that he had been one of the leaders of the demonstration.

But Kaeo's attorney said the case should be treated as a "simple violation"

Kaeo, a Native Hawaiian, said he would not apologize to the state or the court for his actions. He said protection of Haleakala is part of "our people reclaiming our humanity."