After studying Hawaiian history and Hawaiian religion for nearly 30 years, I am deeply saddened to see the kupuna of the Big Island acting illegally by blocking the Maunakea Access Road.
Regardless of their intent, their illegal activities infringe on all of our rights to worship (whomever we choose), on the mountain. They are not the only people entitled to worship on Maunakea.
Their illegal activities are costing you, the taxpayer, $50,000 a day (Star Advertiser, Oct. 2). Can you imagine what we could do for the poor and impoverished people on the Big Island? How about the homeless problem? Fifty thousand dollars a day. People who live here don’t even make fifty thousand dollars a year!
The social aspect of the Big Island is rapidly headed downward, thanks to the ineptness of our local government, led by Mayor Harry Kim. His TMT “solution” is already dead in the water, just like many of his other departments and policies. Both the mayor of Hawaii County and the governor of the State of Hawaii are completely ineffectual. Their socialist-style of leadership is doing nothing for the taxpaying citizens of Hawaii County and State.
Regarding the Aole TMT movement, and the people behind it, these people need to review the history of the creation of the Big Island, specifically Maunakea.
Since this island rose up from the sea, the entirety of the island is sacred (according to historical account), not just Maunakea. So if this is true, and the entire island is a sacred place, then why is there so much garbage on the Queen Kaahumanu Highway between Kona town and the airport? Where is the kupuna outrage regarding this desecration of the land? How come they are not blocking the Queen Kaahumanu traffic until the highway is clean and no longer desecrated?
Where is the kupuna outrage over the story in the WHT on Sept. 30, “Security frustrations mount?” Is it acceptable to the Big Island kupuna that our social environment here on the Big Island has deteriorated to the point where, 1) Innocent people get beaten to near death, and 2) Nobody from our county police or EMT service show up for 45 minutes after the fact? Do the kupuna think this is acceptable behavior by the citizens and acceptable response from our county services? Where is the kupuna outrage over these problems?
The road to the mountain should be opened immediately. The garbage on the highway needs to be removed immediately. The homeless situation needs to be dealt with immediately, etc., etc., etc. Action on these and other issues from our Hilo-based, Big Island government — crickets. Action on these, and other issues from our local kupuna — crickets. Embarrassing and shameful on all counts.
Wilson Pepper is a resident of Keauhou.
