About the rocks … ADVERTISING About the rocks … As a “legal observer” in the moving blockade on Mauna a Wakea, I witnessed the change that happened when the blockade entered Department of Land and Natural Resources jurisdiction. What had
About the rocks …
As a “legal observer” in the moving blockade on Mauna a Wakea, I witnessed the change that happened when the blockade entered Department of Land and Natural Resources jurisdiction.
What had been a very peaceful moving process between the County of Hawaii police and the protectors turned into a far more tension-filled confrontation between DLNR and the protectors. Numerous arrests began to take place.
When protectors higher up on the mountain learned of the escalating tension, they were moved to bring the rocks in to replace the protectors.
Those who placed the rocks had no malicious intent. Substituting rocks as the blockade removed the protectors from directly confronting the DLNR and, therefore, de-escalated the situation before someone got hurt.
After the DLNR left the mountain, the protectors removed the rocks from the road.
Lanny Sinkin
Kurtistown
Friendly and respectful
My wife and I are first-time visitors to your amazing island. Last week, we went to the Mauna Kea Visitors Station in the late afternoon to watch the sunset and the stars after dark.
We talked to some of the Aloha ‘Aina people, and since we were there for several hours, we also observed them interact with other visitors.
We found them to be friendly, respectful and full of the Aloha ‘Aina spirit. Certainly no bad nor hostile behavior that many officials have talked about in your newspaper and other media.
They even invited us to observe one of their ceremonies.
The science to be discovered by the Thirty Meter Telescope also will be amazing, but I hope those in charge of the TMT will respect the legitimate concerns brought by the Aloha ‘Aina group.
Keith and Roberta Muramoto
Forestville, Calif.
