Yes, together we can
There is no doubt that the TMT will be built. Perhaps not exactly as presently envisioned, but in a form which takes direction from those who defend the majesty of Maunakea.
Astronomy is a cornerstone of the original Hawaiian culture and per that culture, tools that advance the ability to understand the messaging from the heavens would be vital to the processes of discovery as they are essential to the sustainability of that culture.
The paradox here is that the TMT, and its placement on Maunakea, most appropriately and effectively expands the opportunity to regain and extend the knowledge that enabled the original inhabitants of this place to both find it and to return to it. The values that guided this capability came from the embrace of innovation rather than rejection.
And while what was to be an inevitable encounter with the foreign concept of European sovereignty, and the elements that define that opposing application of social order, became a disaster for the people who first found this place, employing the science of modern astronomy using the evolved tools to do so, would instead inspire a review of the ancient methods and wisdom needed to enlighten and secure the critical journey into restoration of this planet.
Ultimately this is the worthiest of goals — a mission only achievable within the bounds of aloha. Yes, we can do it, and yes, we will build it.
Kelly Greenwell
Kailua-Kona
Do your job, lawmakers
I would like to send a big mahalo to our elected officials who have run from their sworn responsibilities to uphold the laws of the State of Hawaii.
To Gov. David Ige, Lt. Gov. Josh Green, Mayor Harry Kim and Attorney General Clare Connors:
Through your inactions you have pitted a small, vocal, and now it appears violent, group of individuals against the law-abiding citizens of the State of Hawaii. Yes, for all those who do not yet understand we are the 50th state of the United States of America, governable by its laws.
The peaceful right of assembly does not include the right to break the law. As I am not a lawyer so I won’t attempt to cite all the acts, I am sure there are a significant number to facilitate the swift removable of any and all blockades and arrest any and all individuals who continue to impede access to the summit.
The majority of your constituents are fully behind the construction of TMT. Every poll that I have seen printed in the local newspapers confirms it. We may not be holding press conferences daily with our local talking heads but we are here and we demand action now. You have allowed what could have averted the current situation if you just had the personal courage to just do your job! Don’t be afraid of the flurry of the few who choose disrespect the flag of Hawaii by flying it upside down. That is their right as covered (oh, yes,) by freedom of speech.
Do your job and remove the lawbreakers now.
Open the road now!
There will be no compromise!
There is no common ground!
Old grievances will not be settled by the continued appeasement of those who are breaking the law!
Do what you were elected to do!
We will remember what action or inaction you choose follow!
And no, I am not leaving!
Barry Christian
Kailua-Kona
Maunakea,
forever changing
One million years ago I was born, unknown never seen or heard. Growing from a forever dark cold place up to a space with day and night. I grew and became land in a vastness of water infused with life and the coldness of death at my center.
Five-hundred-thousand years ago I am still young and active, growing more, flowing faster, creating more peaks with cliffs and valleys along my expanding plain. I am still unheard and unseen. I am reaching upward toward the lights in the night skies as though guided by them. Closer yet to the clouds just barely above me as they grow and fade during their own time.
Two-hundred-thousand years ago after changing all that was then to what it would be, I began to grow tired. And still all this time I am not heard or seen. I am not alone. Others are growing around me, they too are not heard or seen. They are as magnificent as me each special in their own way, each changing as they would in time, like me.
During all this time, I grow less now but still changing until I reach the height where the clouds are below me. Then I will sleep. Every 10,000 years I manage to wake and change again sometimes with new peaks sometimes with valleys. And I rest after these changes. And still I am not heard or seen.
Four thousand years ago I became what you see today. It was 1,000 years ago when I was first seen but not heard as I sleep waiting to wake again to change. In 5,000 years or so I will wake and change again and what is now will be unknown until I sleep again and then it will be known. I may again be unheard and unseen.
It matters not what man does or does not do to me. When I am awake, I will change from what I am to what I will be without fear of it because that is what I am.
I am Maunakea and I am changing.
Marc Scichitano
Waimea
