Focus on chemicals
Focus on chemicals
Hopefully, the present controversy over the Thirty Meter Telescope will resolve to the satisfaction of both sides. Possibly one compromise might be if the obsolete telescopes are retired to provide a site for Hawaiian sacred ceremonies. Allow a temple of Hawaiian design that could share that ancient knowledge with others. After all, aren’t both sides seeking greater intelligence?
It is difficult to undue past injustice, as the issue of Mauna Kea telescopes was resolved many years ago, and some will remain well into the future. And is the TMT really that destructive to the ‘aina?
Consider the millions of gallons of herbicides, insecticides and pesticides introduced to our ‘aina every year by county road sprayers, local homeowners, farmers and other industrial and commercial endeavors.
Chemicals that are toxic to land and humans alike are not only fouling our air and land, but also our oceans. This destruction is now at an alarming degree noticeable in the killing of our reefs and ocean animals. We can only be next.
Why not apply the passion and energies being given the TMT, a project that will benefit knowledge and bring income to the Big Island, to more present-day dangers: greater control and elimination of toxic chemicals being introduced into the environment.
Gary Turner
Pahoa
The wrong place
Mauna Kea is a sacred temple that connects us Hawaiians to the spiritual world. It is our piko that brings the Hawaiian culture back to life.
Therefore, TMT should not continue their expansion of building the telescope because its demolishing our ‘aina and causing harm to a sacred place.
I’m not against the telescope. I’m against the choice of location. Mauna Kea may be a sacred place that is important to many Hawaiians, but what people don’t understand is that the building of this telescope will harm the ‘aina. It will dig deep into the rocks, 20 feet into the ground, and 18 stories into the air. The telescope will be visible to Waimea town; a spectacular view will be taken away from each individual.
Personally, I don’t want to look up at the beautiful Mauna Kea and stare up at another telescope. Mauna Kea is home to rare, endangered species found nowhere else on Earth. The telescope can affect these species and invade their home. It isn’t fair to the species or the mauna that a telescope will ruin their home.
The Aloha ‘Aina protesters are only trying to protect our mauna and beliefs. If they aren’t there to protect, who would?
Many historical events have taken place on the top of this sacred place. All the traditions and cultural practices will diminish if this telescope is built. Secretly, I weep for the mountain and all the construction happening on it.
Poli‘ahu as well as Mauna Kea should not have to deal with un-peaceful events such as this.
Tehane Reynolds
Waimea