HILO – On Sunday, a second day of testimony concerning development on Mauna Kea was delivered to the University of Hawaii Board of Regents. It was a continuation of what began on April 16th, when the UH Regents wrapped up a special meeting to discuss the management of the mountain before everyone had a chance to speak. This time, the session was moved to a larger venue: the Performing Arts Center on the Hilo campus.
Once again, testimony was dominated by those in opposition to the Thirty Meter Telescope that is planned for the summit area of the mountain.
There were a few brave astronomers who spoke out in support of the $1.4 billion TMT, which officials say will be one of the most powerful observatories on the planet once it goes into operation.
TMT was supposed to be under construction by now, but project managers postponed the build in response to mounting resistance. A blockade on the mountain resulted in 31 arrests and rallied global opposition to the telescope.
We will have more from this meeting shortly.
So…it looks like ignorance and emotionalism will carry the day in Hawaii. I personally can’t see any difference between the ‘native’ protesters and the Taliban, as both rely on primitive religious values and intolerance towards those who dare to disagree with them. Not a single meaningful, objective thought exists among them.
I find it hard to believe you can possibly be a “Techno Boi” in your twenties and have such AND OLD BOY ATTITUDE WHICH BLINDS YOU – to the LIMITLESS possibilities your generation has lying before you. What a WASTED MIND tangled in bigotry and lies.
The Taliban analogy is a bit strong perhaps.. and if trying to take good care of the environment is a primitive value, then I think it’s one worth holding on to. That ideal is one that’s central in the minds of many protestors. Having said that, I think focusing on the TMT is strange since it’s made such great efforts to make sure the land and resources in proximity go undamaged. Why not military land use, golf course / resort / condo developers..
It seems a good amount of those protesting are actually really upset about the perceived illegal annexation of HI back in the late 19th century, and just enjoying being on the bandwagon with each other; feels nice to be part of something bigger with others like you.
WRITING IN ALL CAPS DOESN’T ADD VALUE TO WHAT YOU SAY
So much emotion in this video with no strong argument! It sickens me that everyone opposing TMT care so much about Mauna Kea but not themselves or even the land on which the live! People, take care yourselves, your kids, the rest of the land in which you live, etc. There are so many other problems in this world that we need to focus on that literally effects our overall well being, finances, environment, etc. TMT already went through a long process that literally shows that it will be no problem! AUWE! Shame on you bandwagon and misinformed protestors! Some protestors are so fricken racist and claim themselves superior over everyone else! Shame on you! I am part Hawaiian and I support TMT! IMUA!
“It sickens me that everyone opposing TMT care so much about Mauna Kea…but not themselves or even the land on which they live.” – Mauna Kea IS the land they live on. “There are so many other problems in this world that we need to focus on…environment, etc” – Mauna Kea IS a part of the environment. “So much emotion in this video…” That is the argument. If there’s so much emotion, then it obviously means something of great value to them. Shame on you for desecrating your ancestors land due to your own misinformed and contradictory ideals. And, nobody is being racist other than the people who look down upon native Hawaiians as a savage race of people.
What’s even more interesting is your “0000” name. What? Afraid to reveal your true identity because you don’t want your family ashamed of you and your words? You don’t support TMT, if you can’t even state your real name with confidence and courage. I am part Hawaiian and I support Mauna Kea. KANAKA MAOLI IMUA! A’OLE TMT! #HaoleAlert
lol @ comparing the Hawaiians to the Taliban. Really? With something as far fetched and illogical such as that, you kinda lose any and all credibility in making any valid statements. The Hawaiians are not killing anyone for their beliefs nor have they ever made an terroristic attacks on any people for any reason. In fact, their protests have been extraordinarily peaceful…”intolerance towards those who dare disagree with them.” lol You just made an outrageous claim comparing Hawaiians to a terrorist group, which is racist and you called their beliefs primitive and ignorant, showing intolerance. There’s a difference between religion and spirituality. It’s not an organized religion believing in one single God and prophet like Islam and Christianity. It’s called the Aloha Spirit, not the “Aloha Religion” – lol On a side note, “native” didn’t need to be put in quotations. I’m part Hawaiian but I’m not native to Hawaii, I’m a native Californian. lol Stupid ass morons can’t even speak, write, read or use their own native language correctly, and you have the nerve to call others stupid.
For both of you, Hawaiians have been fighting for their land and have been overpowered by the British & American governments. King Kalakaua, who TMT tried quoting, only won the election after the death of Kamehameha, because of British & American influence (who captured and arrested the opposing candidates until after the election was over). They fought all other telescopes as well…This whole “bandwagon” thing doesn’t fit here, because the internet and accessibility in reaching far and wide wasn’t an option then, was it? Oh, and by the way, they fought against the golf courses, hotels and everything else too. Hawaii was taken by force after a betrayal and breach of contract through power and force in numbers.
If you two are in support of TMT. Fine, so be it. You’re cut from a different cloth and bred in a different culture. The difference is, the Hawaiians have never come to places you find sacred or hold dear, and took a shit on them, or built over them. The Hawaiians do believe in science, they do love the stars, they do love many people…they just don’t want you to build it on a mountain that they hold as sacred land. It doesn’t take a scientist or astronomer to figure that out.
….Must not be any of these ancient Gods on Maui?…
http://dkist.nso.edu/BuildingDKIST
NateKyng, there was a 7 year assessment on this issue and the green light was given. it will have a very minimal effect on the environment. Please look through it. I also see that you are from California, not a native to Hawaii but is part Hawaiian? Sir, I am born and raised on the island of Oahu and of Hawaiian descent. So who is more haole? Hmmm? Am I full? No, most of us are not full blooded Hawaiian! So to see a lot of these misguided protestors say hateful things against other cultures in general – which by the way are not full Hawaiian themselves – make us all look bad in general! how about they embrace there other race as well? Wearing F*** Captin Cook shirts? are they serious? Again, I bet a lot of them have european blood themselves, and yet mention racial slurs? There is already too much racism in this world to begin with. It needs to stop. The past is the past and we must all look toward to the future. Oh, you mentioned navigation? What Kanaka in this generation is interested in science or astronomy? Rarely! In fact, many could care less and we want to protect Mauna Kea? Our kupuna were experts but hardly anyone now. A Micronesian helped revive a skill once so common in the past to our present community! Wow! How about you all look into the world of science and embrace our culture instead of grumbling? It is sad what happened to the kingdom but we all must move forward. History repeats itself: Kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall. That is just how the world works! IMUA.
Mahalo.
No compromise this time! Pua Case said we talk for the mountain, and the mountain says NO!
I think the poster’s point is that arguments based purely on emotion just don’t carry the same weight as arguments based on tangible, demonstrable evidence.
Similarly, it seems to me that attacking the person instead of their argument is an example of an emotionally driven response. Any valid argument stands on its own merit regardless of who voices it…
Thanks for your thoughtful and respectful comments. I am somewhat aware of Hawaii’s history, including the bullying it’s endured by the imperial powers you mentioned. I recognize how twisted and unjust so much of it’s recent history has been. That said, I see that as its own (important) issue on the table, that ought to be regarded with due diligence and full (not divided) attention. It seems many want to conflate that with the telescope issue, using the TMT as a bargaining chip to gain political leverage (or squeeze revenue). I find this approach unfortunate and a bit disingenuous.
As for the ‘sacredness’ issue, I don’t believe in any god(s) and just have trouble relating. How do you define the word sacred? Who initially determines what or where is sacred, and why is their determination meaningful? I’m not trying to be facetious, I just don’t understand how so many people can feel so sure about things that are inherently based on faith. I respect your passion, I just respect evidence more.
And, it took you a month to reply…You don’t have much room to talk, champ.
lol We get it. You guys don’t. Problem solved. You’re the like the people who came to America and forced the natives off of it to build your sanctuaries to better mankind…There’s no tangible evidence of anything. Hawaii was taken by force, not by mutual agreement.