I am a supporter of the TMT and urge anyone with an interest and an opinion to ask for answers on the status of the project from the officials in charge. The public deserves an explanation from DLNR/BLNR for the delays as it takes months to reach a consensus for any decision and then witness those decisions immediately contested as not following procedures.
Meanwhile, opponents are grasping at straws in what appears to be an effort to stall a final outcome. Objections are being filed by groups associated with the Hawaiian Sovereignty movement, an odd mix considering the laws they are forcibly defending pertain to governance they do not want a part of. I am confused on both pro and con sides as to what they are doing or who they are representing.
If you haven’t done so, take some time to read the EIS (Environmental Impact Statements) available online. It’s a good start to find valuable information and facts regarding both sides involved, which makes it easier to form a valid opinion. The conservation and preservation of the natural environment, trails, archaeological, historical and burial sites have been carefully considered and evaluated. The scope of the project as well as negative impacts are not hidden but listed, and the latter are graded along with solutions to minimize their effects. The significance of the mountain for native Hawaiians is highlighted through Hawaiian history, cultural beliefs and values described through accounts, interviews and perspectives which vary within the Hawaiian’s community. Many concerns and complaints from native Hawaiians are warranted. But should we claim that because something happened before it will automatically happen again? Should the burdens of past history and injustice lead to the loss of an opportunity for our community’s future? Accountability for past mistakes could foster change and good stewardship of the mountain. Mutual respect and understanding can bring us closer rather than divide us further.
Science is part of our present and future. All fields of science — such as astronomy, physics or aeronautics — are tied and we all profit from it. For example, it was NASA’s research which led to the current cellphone technology. Science and technological knowledge is quickly becoming a requirement in today’s job market. The positive impact of the TMT with enormous contribution to science and education in our small community has already benefited thousands of students and teachers in only a few months. This is not a publicity stunt to deviate from the project or hide evil deeds. There is nothing evil about the project’s goals which will not only benefit our community but humanity as a whole.
Preserving cultural values is just as important as technological advancement and one doesn’t necessarily trump the other. Cultural traditions represent a way of life that shouldn’t be forgotten. There is a strong bond between Hawaiians and nature and the need to preserve and respect it. That said, there are many for-profit developments, plans on our island at this time, which will forever affect our island and likely have adverse environmental effects in only a few years far greater than the TMT will have in its lifetime.
The mountain shouldn’t be taken over by technology, but it shouldn’t become a battlefield for empowerment and political movements, either. Great diversity can be found within the Hawaii population. Shouldn’t we work together to find connections rather than highlight our differences? Isn’t the mountain big enough to share and hopefully link us all to the heavens?
I.De Groote is a resident of Waikoloa