‘Protectors’ are correct
Having just read Barry Taniguchi’s “Please support TMT, astronomy” (Tribune-Herald, April 21), I’m again realizing why Maunakea’s protectors are right about the Thirty Meter Telescope.
Since the Supreme Court’s October 2018 majority opinion on the legal permissibility of constructing the TMT, I am again and again astounded by the tone-deaf response of the scientific community and by those motivated by economic interests.
Neither group appears to have learned a thing about finding a way to do this project in more pono ways that respect the host culture, which is also deeply invested in the mountain environment. It’s a remarkable lack of understanding of how to build alliances which, on an island, is vital for a successful, peaceful community.
Listen to just about any scientist and you hear not the slightest indication of an intention or desire to keep Maunakea from becoming another one of Hawaii’s cities. If you don’t believe such a thing can happen, just look at the small city that’s developed around the telescopes atop Haleakala.
Astronomers I’ve talked to are focused almost myopically on their own achievements and discoveries. They don’t seem to want to consider the impacts of their projects on the mountaintop environment or the community. And the scientific community doesn’t even use all the data they currently have!
There will be no end to their building projects on the mountain. And all they have to do to win over the money-minded is promise to bring in more money, more jobs, more people, more cars, more houses, etc. Is this really what we want? Hawaii to become another overpopulated urban area?
Someone’s got to draw the line if there’s going to be any natural Maunakea, or natural Hawaii, left. This is why the protectors are right about the dangers of TMT.
Mathew Johnson
Honokaa
Praise for Kim
Mahalo, Mayor Harry Kim, for all your hard work over the years for the residents of Hawaii.
As past president of the Kapoho Community Association, I was fortunate to work with you when you were head of Hawaii County Civil Defense and now as mayor. You have always worked for the best interest of all the people of this beautiful island.
You have truly brought back trust, and true public service, at a time when it was sorely needed.
My aloha to you and your family.
Gary Alexander
Hilo