In a debate that’s four years in the making, protestors of construction on Mauna Kea may finally have made some headway.

On June 24, 750 activists blocked crews from reaching Hawaii’s tallest and most sacred mountain – Mauna Kea – effectively halting construction on the $1.4 billion Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT.)

The telescope is under the management of the University of Hawaii, who has obtained the appropriate permits to begin construction, according to Cindy McMillan, a spokesperson from Governor David Ige’s office.

Kaho’okahi Kanuha, considered by many to be a leader in the movement and has now lived on the mountain for 91 days in protest, said commercial buildings on the Hawaiian islands cannot exceed seven stories, yet, on land designated a conservation area, “they have approved an 18-story telescope that will be at least two stories below the ground. … I don’t see how that is conservational.”

He described Wednesday’s protest as “peaceful and prayerful,” until people started getting arrested.

According to the Hawaii Tribune Herald, 12 people were arrested and charged with obstruction. They each face a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail.

However, many reported that the protest was overall peaceful and spiritually powerful.

lohi Lani Keohuloa was one of the women who stood in that line, face to face with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). “I felt like nothing could touch us. There are no English words that explain how powerful we felt.”