‘Academic exercise’
I would like to add a brief clarification to the article about Maunakea’s groundwater (Tribune-Herald, Aug. 4).
I did tell Mr. Mike Brestovansky that I had proposed to do some geophysical surveys at Maunakea’s summit some years ago to better understand where water might be present beneath the surface, and that the Office of Maunakea Management was not enthusiastic about my conducting that work.
The reason they were not receptive was that, at the time, it was (and still would be) an “academic exercise” not critical to their management of the summit district.
That work would have involved some minor disturbance of the ground surface in order for me to place my survey instruments, but because of the sensitivity of the area, they felt that only essential resource management work could justify allowing ground-disturbing activities — and possible disturbance of cultural artifacts — in the summit region.
It wasn’t from a lack of interest in groundwater questions by OMKM, they simply were doing their best to meet their management responsibilities for the natural and cultural resources under their care.
I understood and entirely respect their decision on that work.
Donald Thomas
Hilo
Scary times
Look at the bright side.
Considering the ongoing devastation of our fragile planet, with overpopulation and how this affects the climate around the world, isn’t it nice having this controversy over the Thirty Meter Telescope to distract us from all this insanity?
Reed Vallance
Hilo
Step up, HTH
Fact: It is discriminatory to refer to the gender of married couples.
Heterosexuality wouldn’t be mentioned, and hetero-privilege might be the reason John Burnett’s article (“Trial set for couple charged in child’s death,” Tribune-Herald, Aug. 7) not only mentions the gender of the couple that was charged, but opens with it.
Fact: Readers of news expect a news article to open with the “who/what/where/why/when/how” content that is taught in all journalism schools. Sensationalism and bias do not belong in the lede (the opening of a news article).
Indeed, if they appear anywhere in a news story, they bolster the concept of “fake news.”
Opinion: Right now, perhaps more than ever, this country needs to be able to depend on bias-free, accurate journalism. I urge the Tribune-Herald to step up.
Connie Leyendecker
Hakalau
TMT circus
Regarding the new TMT construction deadline: The protesters can now continue their “Hawaii circus” until at least Sept. 26, 2021.
So, should there be a contest on how many more worthless meetings will be held for the next two years?
I don’t see the protesters leaving, because they are in complete control of their circus, and the government officials are the protesters’ clowns.
As for myself, I’m part of the audience, and I didn’t even have to buy a ticket. I’m watching a free show.
James G. Borden
Hilo
