Mauna Kea is a big mountain
How about a compromise to the Thirty Meter Telescope standoff? Let the “protectors” of the sacred mountain have title to the summit, Puu Wekiu, and perhaps the surrounding 5 acres — the same amount of area as to be occupied by the TMT. This is the area of most religious significance, and could be used to build a heiau or for performing cultural ceremonies.
Isn’t considering the entire mountain to be sacred territory a bit greedy?
Burt Masters
Kailua-Kona
Trip to summit missed. Where’s aloha?
How disappointing to have a long-planned trip to the Mauna Kea summit canceled because of the recent protesters on Mauna Kea.
The actions of a selfish few ruined things for the hundreds of people who were looking forward to appreciating one of the great wonders of this beautiful island. There’s not much aloha there.
Larry Janssen
Edmonton, Canada
TMT protesters should stand down
I read the letter by Everett Franco titled “Police, DLNR arrest wrong people,” and he has it wrong.
I respect anyone’s right to religious beliefs, but no one has the right to force their beliefs, religious or otherwise, on others. That is what the Thirty Meter Telescope opponents are doing. They are blocking the road to the summit with their bodies, rocks and ahu. They are impeding legally authorized construction.
The opponents need to stand down and respect the law and the rights of others who do not share their beliefs. If the demonstrators do not stand down and respect the law, they should be moved and arrested. If they later return, they should be jailed.
What this island needs is education, scientific progress, investment and jobs for our young so they don’t have to leave to advance themselves.
Wayne Reese
Kailua-Kona