We need TMT
We need TMT
The invalidation of the Thirty Meter Telescope’s conservation district use permit will have a chilling effect on Hawaii’s astronomy sector. Astronomy has a direct economic impact of $92 million on the Big Island alone, and supports 1,385 jobs statewide. However, these jobs may fade into the sunset over the next 10-18 years unless the master lease for the Mauna Kea astronomy precinct is extended past 2033.
The current astronomy operators will likely abstain from doing any telescope upgrades and might decide to decommission their facilities between 2025 and 2033 unless the master lease is extended. The current charged environment will make this difficult.
However, I hope this discussion takes place. For starters, if the lease is lengthened, it will give an incentive to existing operators to do upgrades to their astronomical facilities and will provide clarity for the future of astronomy on Mauna Kea.
The elephant in the room is the stalled Thirty Meter Telescope project.
This project has become a lightning rod to eliminate all of the existing astronomy facilities. I believe this would be extremely shortsighted. Mauna Kea is a preeminent location for the advancement of human knowledge of the universe. This is why I hope the TMT project moves forward and the Mauna Kea astronomy precinct lease is extended.
Aaron Stene
Kailua-Kona
‘Sign me up’
As long as there are churches showing up to feed the homeless population, nothing will change.
Now, I have no problem feeding moms and kids, but these church groups with good intentions are just enabling people not to work. All you need is a piece of plastic to keep the rain off you. Nice and warm and fed all week long; why work?
I have even seen church groups show up at the gazebo with racks of clothes for deadbeats to choose from, and they sing them a song.
Word is out: If you are freezing on a New York street, all you need is a one-way ticket to The Big Island and you will be fed, clothed and taken care of. Sign me up!
Mickey Weedon
Hilo