All too often the big picture is obscured by events that define it. Such I would argue is the situation being revealed on Maunakea.
What we are really looking at is the embattled and obscured role of justice in its struggle to influence law. The big picture here is not whether a telescope should be built atop the mountain or even if the cultural practices that appropriately govern such and undertaking are honored. Instead, the issue is whether a conflict of this stature can be adjudicated according to rules of fair play rather than the rule of law.
It can be convincingly and even correctly argued that the observatory envisioned atop Maunakea would represent a significant scientific as well as economic opportunity, however, what is at stake here is not what ultimately happens, but how it happens.
Let us recognize that astronomy, while part of every civilization’s culture, most indelibly and profoundly belongs to the people of the Pacific, and in this case the Hawaiians. Recently, the voyages of the Hokulea demonstrated the practical engagement of astronomy, confirming the cultural attachment to the original inhabitants of these islands. There is no doubt that the telescope would serve to advance the knowledge and perhaps even the application of astronomy but before we go there we need to understand that building such a facility on Maunakea is a proprietary issue for Hawaiians as it represents an adjustment to their culture, currently navigating a legal system all too often foreign to its values.
Perhaps respect, the very essence of that culture, is the overriding theme here. Respect, I would argue, first toward the mountain itself. If this respect were shown by all parties then all parties could and would work together to achieve what is fair to all.
Going forward, I would propose that we begin by removing every structure atop the mountain — every man-made object of recent history. This provides for a demonstrated apology to Maunakea by all offenders. We then, going forward within the scope of the evolved culture of this place, design and build what becomes an extension of the spirit of discovery, a worthy aumakua of the mountain, positioned so that the unadorned majesty of Maunakea is again displayed. This is a win for astronomy, acknowledges the attachment to the past and most assuredly a triumph for justice.
Justice for both the people and for the mountain. That is the big picture here which if not seen only confirms our trajectory toward a black hole of our own design.
Kelly R. Greenwell is a resident of Kailua-Kona.