It’s not aloha
It’s not aloha
Now that you protesters have stirred the embers of civility to ashes with your myriad of reasons for wanting to disrupt a harmonious undertaking such as erecting a Thirty Meter Telescope in the name of astronomy on majestic Mauna Kea, allow me to add my comments to this sordid mess.
First, using children to further one’s agenda, especially in a protest that involves the use of Mauna Kea or portions thereof, is not conducive to proper parenting. Such exposure under the guise of “standing up for their ancestors and the mountain’s sacred status” isn’t going to aid one’s cause at all.
All the children know of Mauna Kea is that it’s a mountain that is tainted with snow. Are they being told what the hullabaloo is about? Would they care?
Second, ripping up Mauna Kea with machines, as stated by one protester, would take a heap of doing. Building a Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea is the issue, and not the destruction thereof.
Third, using the term “aloha” in the same vein as a protest simply doesn’t belong together. Aloha is emblematic of a calm demeanor, exemplified with being kind, helpful, cooperative, harmonious, agreeable, pleasant, humble, modest, patient and persevering, but NEVER DISRUPTIVE. Some of you protesters are victims of disorganized thinking.
Despite all of the objections and protests, astronomy and its studies shall continue to strive and will definitely survive. Imua for astronomy.
McWarren J. Mehau
Mountain View
Plead the Fifth
Office of Hawaiian Affair’s current money scandal (Tribune-Herald, April 12) is going to bite them soon.
First, they give taxpayers’ money to a entity that has OHA board members on the board. Then, that entity gives it back as “campaign contributions.” That’s money laundering, pure and simple, and completely illegal.
Then, they give more taxpayers’ money on the day they lose their geothermal bid. Why? For more campaign contributions?
They also freeze out trustee Oswald Stender when he has questions (it’s tough being the only honest guy in town).
When they get caught, the only lame excuse they have to hide the evidence is “the information is confidential.”
The Bishop Estate trustees tried that years ago, and look where it got them: a major IRS audit (the IRS turned out to be the good guys — that’s how bad that was).
My suggestion to those OHA board members is to stop saying “confidential” and start saying, “I plead the Fifth Amendment.”
William Wade
Kehena Beach