Protesters to gather in Honolulu against North Dakota oil pipeline

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Large crowds will gather in front of the federal building on Ala Moana Boulevard on Tuesday afternoon to protest the controversial North Dakota oil pipeline.

The rally will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., amid rush-hour traffic. Organizers said "scores of outraged citizens" will gather in a show of solidarity with protesters in North Dakota.

American Indians have been gathering since April to protest the 1,170-mile oil pipeline from North Dakota to Illinois. Tribe members say the pipeline poses an environmental and cultural threat, traversing ancestral lands.

Last week, the federal government temporarily blocked construction to address those concerns.

Supporters say the pipeline will create energy independence for the country. Moreover, it will pump millions of dollars into local economies and will create thousands of jobs.