Held hostage
It’s hard to fathom that approximately 1,000 protesters can hold our Big Island population of 200,000 hostage to their personal claims.
They are demanding access to the summit for ancient rituals by way of four-wheel-drive trucks on the road built by the telescopes. What would their ancestors think?
The Saddle Road (Daniel K. Inouye Highway) was closed, keeping people (Hawaiians) from getting to work or doctor appointments.
I spent most of my professional and private life protecting the environment with aloha.
George Moore
Hilo
Let TMT proceed
Throughout the past several years, both sides of the Thirty Meter Telescope controversy have had plenty of opportunities to have their say: The courts made their rulings, and it doesn’t appear those on either side will change their minds or plans for the future of Maunakea.
It is time to accept where things are at and allow TMT to proceed.
I’ve heard and read accounts from the Hawaiian activists and protesters (“protectors”) who claim Maunakea is a sacred place for them for spiritual and cultural practices, and that the construction of the TMT will cause harm to the mountain and destroy its significance.
I wonder, however, how many protesters or protectors have seen the destruction and desecration of areas at lower elevations used by hunters, etc.? If so, you would notice the desecration and destruction of the ‘aina from the rubbish people have dumped on our beautiful mountain. It’s appalling! If the people would protest this, I’d jump on that bandwagon!
If those who claim a spiritual connection to Maunakea truly want to protect it, direct your concern where it is badly needed, and your anger toward those who abuse it regularly. They are the enemies of Maunakea, not TMT.
Judy Kruse
Mountain View
The mauna for all
I salute the protesters at Pu‘u Huluhulu; many are dear friends.
Activism to support what you believe in is always better than sitting on a couch! I can only wish they weren’t climbing up the wrong cross, but admire their spirit nonetheless.
The cry “KU KIA‘I MAUNA” is one I agree with completely, but we need to malama the mauna for everyone in Hawaii — especially for the Hawaiians who cherish their proud heritage of exploration and studies of the stars.
My version to revise this plea is, “KU KIA‘I I KA PIKO MAWAENA O PAPA A ME WAKEA!”
TMT will be a vital part of that piko between Hawaii and the universe, and will make all Hawaiians proud!
J.P. Lockwood
Hilo
