My TMT solution ADVERTISING My TMT solution I believe I have a solution to the Thirty Meter Telescope fiasco on the Big Island. Our U.S. senators and representatives should join together in an appeal to the president of the United
My TMT solution
I believe I have a solution to the Thirty Meter Telescope fiasco on the Big Island.
Our U.S. senators and representatives should join together in an appeal to the president of the United States to declare the top of Mauna Kea a national monument. Given some of the recent reports about President Barack Obama’s support for astronomy and his personal ties to Hawaii, there is a good chance he would make the declaration. He has executive power to do so as president.
The land then would be controlled by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the Bureau of Land Management. The Hawaii Supreme Court decision would be moot, and the opponents would need to take their legal action through the federal court system. Precedent would likely cause a quick dismissal.
I made this suggestion several years ago to an elected official. After requesting a response several times, it was rejected because of the complicated issues surrounding the mountain’s culture.
I think it’s time our elected officials show some leadership and pursue a path for the mountain that will benefit all people of Hawaii.
Donald Rudny
Pepeekeo
Not a victim
I see that Ronald Barawis Jr. has been declared the “victim” in the “incident,” according to the article on the front page of the Tribune-Herald, Feb. 6. My, my, poor guy! “Victim,” indeed!
I would submit that the actual “victims” were the policemen he tried to run over in Kona on Jan. 20, the attempted murder of three persons in upper Kaumana and the policeman he attempted to run over behind the restaurant on (Feb. 5).
Call Mr. Barawis Jr. what he was: A home-grown terrorist, pure and simple!
Ron Baptista
Mountain View
