Letters | 4-4-15

Protecting Mauna Kea is everyone’s kuleana

While visiting with na kupuna several years ago about the Thirty Meter Telescope and Mauna Kea, one said, “You tell them, if they want to build more — then show us good faith — take some down!” I submitted that manao as part of my testimony for the Mauna Kea management plan hearings back then; the kupuna manao (advice) was to take some of the telescopes down, instead of bulldozing more of the Mauna Kea summit.

As the movement to revive and restore Hawaiian cultural practices that enrich our communities, strengthen our families and protect our resources grows, we need to be vigilant. We cannot change what happened in the past, but it becomes our kuleana to take a stand for what happens today.

If we are to be keepers of Hawaii — the breath and water of life, for perpetuity, and teach our children to do so, we must heed the manao aka mai of our kupuna, and make it our own kuleana (responsibility). Our state motto, “Ua mau ke ea o aina I ka Pono” suggests that we do.

Even now, kupuna Clarence Ching, Kiai Kealoha Piscotta, kumu Pua Case (in lieu of her kupuna) and her ohana, and many others (with great sacrifice) continue to speak out about the sacredness of Mauna Kea, and against any further desecration of the mountain summit. Do you think they enjoy being labeled protesters, after going through the arduous legal process for years, and apparently, being disregarded? I think the Office of Mauna Kea Management is being negligent in its kuleana to malama Mauna Kea. Not only them, but we all need to “un-colonize” our minds and truly think, how best to malama and perpetuate Hawaii in righteousness and then act accordingly.

Luana Jones

Pahoa

Building TMT right thing to do

I am a graduate of Kamehameha Schools, Kapalama Campus and a first-generation college graduate.

Hawaii Island is very fortunate. The Thirty Meter Telescope project is providing our island students with educational grants, scholarships and, more importantly, the opportunity for good, long-lasting careers here at home. Hawaii does not often have a chance to say this.

The world is watching. Not only with anticipation for the new science discoveries a telescope like this will bring but also with envy.

Hawaii Island is the best place in the entire world to view the night skies. Our ancestors knew this. Our alii knew this and now, the world watches in anticipation.

Placing TMT on Mauna Kea is the right thing to do. We can take care of the environment, be pono with our culture and wahi pana and host modern-day astronomy all in balance.

As we move forward with this project, let’s carry with us what we have learned from the past. Our alii would want us to. Not only for us but for future generations.

Cari Iverson

Kailua-Kona