‘Disastrous precedent’
The protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope on Maunakea have reached the two-month milestone. This telescope project has caused a firestorm of anger from the Hawaiian community that I’ve never seen in my entire 43 years living in Hawaii. It galvanized the Hawaiian community to resume the Hawaiian renaissance movement.
This deeply concerns me, as the underlying issues that caused this protest won’t disappear — even if the Thirty Meter Telescope relocates to the Canary Islands. I’m concerned these protesters will block other projects such as new highways, shopping centers or housing developments if the TMT is forced to go.
The TMT’s possible departure will raise questions about the future of astronomy on Maunakea. The master lease is scheduled to expire in 2033. If the TMT isn’t constructed, there is strong possibility the other existing telescopes won’t upgrade their facilities and will decide to decommission instead. Why would these other operators want to invest money in their facilities, especially since the state and county can’t clear the road, and there is no guarantee the lease will be extended?
Investors also will think twice about investing money in Hawaii going forward.
The TMT successfully underwent a 10-year permitting and judicial process to only be blocked by protesters illegally blocking Maunakea Access Road. The state and county have shown they’re spineless as far as clearing the road. If the TMT relocates, anarchy will have won out over the rule of law.
This will set a disastrous precedent that will have far-ranging implications.
Aaron Stene
Kailua-Kona
‘We remember’
Dear Gov. David Ige and Mayor Harry Kim: I implore you to take your time in considering all of the available options for peaceful resolution between our Native Hawaiian community peacefully practicing kapu aloha in protection of Maunakea and the TMT proponents on the mountain.
I ask you to consider that while science and industry is important and valuable, it is never more important than human rights and the cultural practice of Native Hawaiians on Maunakea. Sacred is sacred. It is not a choice, it is a kuleana (responsibility). It is who we are.
I ask you to remember that many Native Hawaiian families voted for you because we believed you had integrity and that some of the Hawaiian values you have often espoused through the years actually touched your heart.
We know that the conflict on Maunakea is about power and money, not science, not the children of Hawaii, or progress. You are succumbing to external artificial pressures (like University of Hawaii, TMT proponents, big business, etc.).
You will long be remembered for the way you handle this situation and how you treat Native Hawaiians on their own lands. Make peace, stop bullying the indigenous people trying to protect a sacred mountain — for all children in Hawaii.
Take care not to cause an unnecessary war where many old and young people could be hurt. There is no rush; you have time to find a better way, the aloha way.
Money and power, no matter however it is disguised, are never more valuable than human life and safety.
Please remember, too, that Native Hawaiians and the people who aloha them vote, and we remember. Please be the ethical men we once thought you were.
Lisa Akana
Keaau