Letters | 4-15-15

It’s time to show aloha to Mauna Kea

After making the trek to Mauna Kea and feeling the warmth and kindness of the Aloha Aina, Ku Kiai, protectors of what is sacred, I can relate to their plea. When you come from a place of pure spirit, there are no dollar signs to buy it off. When you are looking to the next seven generations, and your kupuna tells you “no be kapulu,” to be neat and clean up after yourself and leave it better than when you found it.

I refer to the letter in West Hawaii Today on April 9 by Chad Ahia: “It’s not about being anti-science, but clean up your mess before you think of making anything else.” Not to mention an 18-story-high building in an area as large as the football stadium. Many of those structures are not being used and continue to be an eyesore. Also mentioned, “that the state appeals court has not even deliberated on this issue … they pushed to lobby to just start the building.” That is “hookano,” haughty and thinking your way is the only way, without regard to anyone else, being selfish. If they did this, in the rightful way, “pono,” none of this would be happening today.

I drove to Hilo on Wednesday for Merrie Monarch and I saw hundreds along the way, holding signs disapproving the building upon our sacred Mauna Kea. Our whole State of Hawaii, plus the mainland, and other countries had thousands holding signs of Aloha Aina and keeping our mauna sacred. Our Mauna Kea, the highest peak on the most isolated land mass on Earth, is our temple, “puuhonua,” our “piko,” where more than 200 sacred sites remain. This is where our kupuna walked from the ocean, to obtain the pohaku suited to build the waa and hale — it is written in ancient chants of our people.

I applaud our young leaders for standing for what is sacred. They brave chilling weather, leaving family, jobs and school to stand firm for what is truly sacred. I am in hopes that all people will be reawakened by this presence. There have been many times with hurricane winds, going through the saddle. I believe our Mauna Kea continues to watch over us, to keep us safe, as our kupuna. Now, it is time we watch over our mauna. Clean up the “opala,” rubbish, get rid of it and make use of what is still working.

As Hokulea traverses the Earth, with “Malama Honua,” caring for our Mother Earth, we need to care for our aina and showcase the world what Hawaii stands for or doesn’t stand for. Our ancestors did not need high-tech equipment to get close to the stars and planets. We had and continue to have that connection — as Hokulea has proven through coverage of thousands of nautical miles, without instruments. So build the Thirty Meter Telescope somewhere else and not here. Make use of what you already have.

The world is watching. Our kupuna are watching. If your motive is money-driven, then rethink it. This is a spiritual place and driven with aloha. If you cannot mix the two, then “pule” and listen and see the signs of right and wrong. Deep inside, you will hear the answer. Until then, I support this movement of Aloha Aina, because it is right, and if not us, then who?

There is still time to rethink and follow the right path, with aloha.

Puna Kihoi

Honaunau/Waimea