I would like to attempt to answer the questions about TMT submitted by David Gomes on April 6.
1. Why did the state not follow proper procedure? I think they feared delay and ultimate failure had they followed procedure.
2. Why not place the TMT on the location of an obsolete telescope? While not an option for me personally, this is a good idea and possible compromise. Dismantle all the old telescopes and supporting equipment and then maybe we can talk. So far the word has not been kept to do so.
3. Has everyone been polled? I think not. Would it matter? Let’s ask the folks on Maui who voted the GMOs off their island.
4. Who decides what is sacred? People. Is Mauna Kea more sacred than Mauna Loa? No, they are equally sacred. What is sacred? Telling someone what is sacred is like telling them an orange is sweet and delicious and juicy. You can never really know until you bite into the orange. Sacred is something that a person or people believe is “extra special,” so much so that you shouldn’t mess with it. For example some people hold the U.S. Constitution to be sacred and therefore not to be messed with. Some people think there are too many guns in the country. So if a person or group tried to change that part of the constitution, those who hold that sacred would be angry and defensive. Are churches, graveyards, etc. sacred? Yes. Who sets the boundaries? People. Are there burial sites on top Mauna Kea? I don’t know. I kind of doubt it. If there are they would only be of the highest alii.
5. Who is the kupuna that William Freitas saw? It’s kind of the orange again.
6. Did the Hawaiians come by canoe and climb the mountain in their slippers? To answer this one I will relate my own story. I was born on the mainland. I threw out my shoes when I left there. When I arrived here (by plane) I hit the island barefoot. I went one year without owning shoes. I did this for spiritual reasons. To connect. Again, that darn orange. This I think gives some idea as to how I and many others approach that mountain.
7. Kamahamaha. Ouch, I hope that was spell check. I am in no way qualified to make statement as to what Kamehameha would have done. I can make a fair bet that he, and so many others (myself included), wishes the invaders never came.
I close with some final thoughts. This whole thing really comes down to money. Why explore deep space anyway. We’re already in deep space. It just depends on where you’re standing. What do we hope to find? God? No god? Will what we find help in South Sudan, Syria? Will it help trash pickers in India or leather workers in Bangladesh? We have deified money and spiritually disconnected. Walk barefoot my brother, time to taste the orange. Time to reconnect. Only then will your questions truly be answered.
Paul Bucher is a resident of Keauhou.