Support for TMT
and astronomy
This is in response to Dennis Gregory’s column, “It’s time to quit struggling and call pau hana on the TMT,” (in West Hawaii Today).
Let’s call pau hana on the Thirty Meter Telescope and astronomy in Hawaii?
Should we forget TMT and other ongoing and upcoming astronomy projects on the islands? Should we leave the mountain alone and focus on the coast to build more condos, hotels and golf courses to rely solely on tourism?
Who needs a diversified economy or a better future and education for our keiki?
Astronomy is such a clash with Hawaiian culture, isn’t it? Let’s build some casinos instead!
As the late and respected Pwo navigator Kalepa Baybayan said during a 2019 hearing regarding the protests and moratorium proposal:
“TMT has endured a long and tenuous legal process, and the Supreme Court ruled favorably to uphold BLNR’s right to grant a Conservation District Use Permit in an adversarial process (during which) both sides (presented) evidence to make the case. One side is successful in arguing the case, and one side is the loser. So now (to) disagree with the verdict by … blockading TMT construction crews’ access to the mountain is the behavior of an immature adolescent and it unfairly punishes the project. Everybody, you need to learn how to share the mauna. Mahalo.”
I entirely agree.
Isabelle DeGroote
Waikoloa
Raise minimum wage, cut taxes
The minimum wage at this time in Hawaii is $12 per hour, which seems like a good amount, right? But when compared to other places like New York or Washington, it’s several dollars less.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “a few dollars isn’t that much!” Oh, but it is. Every dollar, every penny counts when you’re living in the most expensive state in the U.S.
The minimum wage to sustain a living in Hawaii is around $20 per hour, and with a family to provide for, perhaps much more. Even with two adults working full time, that amount of money still wouldn’t be enough to sustain a comfortable life for the residents of Hawaii.
The citizens of Hawaii have been protesting the costs of living for over 100 years, dating all the way back to the 1860s. Everything is doubled, from the cost of housing to the groceries found in your local Foodland, and don’t forget about the unreasonably high taxes.
This situation has caused Hawaii residents to fall into debt, unable to provide for themselves or their families, therefore possibly leading to homelessness. Families go from paycheck to paycheck, still not making nearly enough to pay for bills, food, etc.
Action needs to be taken. Thousands of people have left their homes to go to the mainland in hopes of finding a better chance of a life. The people of Hawaii do not deserve this. The people of Hawaii shouldn’t need to leave their homes where generations before them grew up.
This island is our family, and taking care of each other has never been unfamiliar. Coming together and protesting against the state to raise our income/wages and lower tax rates would be a good start. We can make a difference.
Katelyn Lagaret-Hollister
Honokaa
