Letters | 6-24-15

Stand isn’t against TMT, it’s against desecration

There’s been a lot of confusion about “Ku Kiai Mauna — Stand Guard the Mountain.” The stand is not against the TMT — it is simply against any more desecration of Mauna Kea. What part of no more desecration do some people not understand?

The governor missed the point when he gave his consent for more desecration to proceed, outside of the area that is already desecrated (bulldozed, etc.). On the other hand, one of the protest leaders on Oahu confused “no more desecration” with “take all the telescopes down,” causing more confusion.

For more than 100 years, Hawaii and Hawaiians have suffered degradation and exploitation, and the forced takeover of the nation; hence, there are already more than a dozen telescopes atop Mauna Kea. We cannot change what happened in the past, but as Hawaiian sovereign rights become (re-)established, and the culturally based education movement continues to thrive, our kuleana (responsibility) to protect our cultural heritage becomes imperative, of which Mauna Kea is upmost.

In my testimony several years ago, after consulting with several kupuna, I quoted them: “If they like build more, tell them show us good faith — take some down.” This was for the Mauna Kea Management Plan, before the Thirty Meter Telescope application (although we knew it was on the radar). Many Hawaiians and others testified similarly; but the people in charge apparently ignored this critical input, and favored more degradation and exploitation (for jobs, science, marvel and money) by others of influence.

True public servants would have then, and should now, advocate for no more desecration. It means taking some telescopes down, redesigning the TMT to fit into the area already desecrated, and then maybe proceeding.

Until then, we will “Ku Kiai Mauna” with our hearts and souls.

Luana Jones

Pohoiki

Sea level rise a real threat to island

It’s a slow process at the present time, but sea level is indeed rising and if the prediction of 200 to 220 feet is correct as this computation was recently updated, a lot of arable and habitable land will eventually be submerged in about 80 to 100 years from now.

One of the first stages will be when someone notices coast roads underwater at high tide, with coastal airports being the next casualties. Simultaneously, seaports and harbors will be slowly flooded, making the situation even more interesting, with tsunami zones raising accordingly to the new sea levels. While all Hawaii will lose land, the one with the least to lose is Hawaii Island, where other island refugees may relocate, particularly to the Puna Districts.

As a large section of Puna Makai will eventually be subject to submersion, many of the coastal residents may relocate to upper Puna Makai and Puna Mauka. Other than having the National Guard drive around, as long as they have fuel, it’s doubtful the state will be much help, although we’re told the guard was ordered not to lift a finger to help after Iselle, so why would we expect anything different from the state?

At this stage, there is only concern for future generations, with no need to panic, but you won’t until after the proverbial fertilizer impacts the impeller.

Imagine the resorts on the Kona side being flooded, which would be problematic for the tourist industry. If the state does anything for anybody on Hawaii Island, it will be there.

Dave Kisor

Pahoa