Who’s going to pay?
I read in (the Aug. 27) paper (Big Island history) that 50 years ago a quarry 12,000 feet up Maunakea was dedicated as a registered National Historic Landmark. The adz quarry was used by ancient Hawaiians to obtain basalt from which basic stone implements were hewn. The Rev. Kaipo Kuamoo blessed the grounds in Hawaiian tongue where a plaque was attached to a large stone near the entrance.
In the article there was no mention of sacred grounds or heiau or special mana of the mountain itself.
Maybe some people didn’t do their homework when it came time to protest the Thirty Meter Telescope on grounds that the mountain is sacred.
Who’s going to pay for this huge expense to county and state taxpayers for this well-organized but misguided protest?
I believe King Kamehameha II abolished all the ancient rituals, idols etc., including killing people who offended the alii.
Sam Wallis
Hilo
Life is too short
I grew up in Honomu, less than a mile from Akaka Falls.
My roots are here.
I went to the public schools in Honomu and Pepeekeo. I graduated from Hilo High School, the same school most of the politicians from the Big Island attended.
In my younger days, when I wanted to clear my mind, I would drive up to Maunakea and watch the sunrise or go to Akaka Falls and just sit and view the water go over the falls. The scenes were so breathtaking and inspirational that I felt they were sacred places, like how I feel about Waipio Valley and Hapuna beach and other scenic places.
After spending many years away in the military and in school on the mainland, I came back to live and settle down here permanently.
I’ve never regretted it.
I love Hawaii, the Hawaiian people and the multicultural environment.
The Thirty Meter Telescope issue has divided my family and friends.
Life is too short. We should not give up the opportunity for education, for wonderment, for positive creativity and for betterment of all people.
Imua Hawaii.
Imua TMT.
Earl Nakasato
Hilo