TMT protest is not about being anti-science
The problem with astronomy and the University of Hawaii on Mauna Kea is that somehow what they have is never enough. They have 13 of the best telescopes in the world up there now. But they need something more, something bigger. They are like a shark, swimming nonstop, devouring. Their newest fascination is the Thirty Meter Telescope, an 18-stories-tall structure, a building height not otherwise permitted on Hawaii Island. It covers a football field.
Now, the state appeals courts have not even deliberated on this issue but the telescope funders are getting antsy and money is getting tight so they have pushed and lobbied to just start building. They thought they pacified resistance with their bribe of $1 million for science education. Sell the mountain for your keiki and their education. But we all pay taxes to fund education. For those keiki who pay attention and are interested, lots of science is taught in school very well already.
As a local boy and Native Hawaiian who loves science and the pursuit of discovery, this is not about being anti-science or any other racist epithet pinned on Native Hawaiian activists. This is about astronomer’s selfishness and their absolute inability to truly see other points of view and actually respect them. Stop devouring Mauna Kea. Don’t destroy more land. Recycle older telescope footprints and replace them with newer ones. Downsize telescope building size while increasing viewing power with smarter designs. Be satisfied with the footprint you have. Stop being so selfish.
Chad Ahia
Hilo
Set reasonable speed limits
I have been reading with interest the back and forth dialog concerning speed limits and speed bumps on roads in Kona. I sure agree with Margo Elliopoulos in the March 31 letters to the editor — set a reasonable speed limit, like 35 mph and most folks will obey it.
We in North Kohala have a 35 mph speed limit through our entire community with the exception of our two tiny towns. There it is 25 mph but through the rest of our end of the island it is 35, including past two schools and our roads are not as upgraded as the ones pictured in your articles.
I think if folks feel it is “reasonable” given the improvements to the road, most folks will obey the posted speed limits but to put a 25 mph limit on those big, improved, wide roads is not reasonable.
Cindy Tinker
Kapaau