A proposal to build the world's largest telescope atop Mauna Kea has cleared another hurdle.

The agency that manages land at the summit of the Big Island volcano yesterday recommended that the University of Hawai'i-Hilo chancellor approve the Thirty Meter Telescope.

Office of Mauna Kea Management interim director Stephanie Nagata said the Mauna Kea Management board unanimously voted to recommend the project.

The chancellor will decide whether to recommend the project to University of Hawai'i President M.R.C. Greenwood, who would in turn make a recommendation to the UH board of regents.

If the telescope clears those hurdles, Thirty Meter Telescope managers will apply to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources for a permit.