The University of Hawaii Board of Regents unanimously approved a plan to build the world's largest telescope at Mauna Kea's summit.

The decision clears the way for managers of the proposed 30 metre telescope to seek a permit from the state to build the facility on conservation land.

TMT managers aim to begin construction late next year and finish by 2018 if they can get a permit.

Some Native Hawaiians opposed the telescope on the grounds it would defile Mauna Kea's summit, which they consider sacred. Environmentalists say the telescope would harm the rare wekiu bug.

But the board was moved by the potential it offered for advancing science, providing jobs and helping the economy. The university's board must vote on the project because it owns the lease for the land on which the telescope would be built.

"I think it would be almost unthinkable not to approve this project for what it would mean for scientific research and astronomy, what it would mean for education, and the answers it may provide to unlock the mysteries of the universe," said board member Chuck Gee.

Seven members of the public testified in favour of the telescope at the board's meeting. No opponents spoke, though critics were vocal about their arguments against the telescope in the past.

Of those who submitted written testimony, 30 were in favour and 10 against.

The telescope's segmented primary mirror, which is nearly 100 feet long, will give it nine times the collecting area of the largest optical telescopes in use today. Its images will also be three times sharper.

The telescope would be able to observe planets that orbit stars other than the sun and enable astronomers to watch new planets and stars being formed.

It should also help scientists see some 13 billion light years away for a glimpse into the early years of the universe.