What if…
What if our protectors of the mauna become protectors of the voyager Earth. The true protectors of the planet, utilizing our most sacred mauna, which itself is connected to our most sacred Earth, to identify any celestial threats. Identifying a threat increases survivability.
Maybe we could build our own telescope on the most pre-eminent celestial platform on the planet. We could rightfully claim to be the true protectors of planet Earth. Right here in the middle of the ocean on our island. Protectors not only of the mauna but of the Earth and all its inhabitants. Wouldn’t that be something. True protectors.
Kapena Singson
Kailua-Kona
Do the right thing
I believe not in faith-based but in reason-based arguments. I believe not in exclusion but in inclusion, celebrating not just one’s own ethnicity and religion and culture but those of others who share space with me on this beautiful planet. I believe not in wallowing in revisionist history but in reaching toward a new and brighter future. I believe in the value of neither victimhood nor entitlement but in the value of self-determination in a pluralistic society. I believe not in cultural indoctrination but in a broad and deep liberal-arts education. I see no value in taking hostile and uncompromising positions. I much prefer civility and a genuine desire to reach consensus. I loathe the us-versus-them mentality that polarizes people and drives them apart. Wouldn’t it make much more sense to offer some give and take, to listen as often as we speak, to work together to find resolution to our mutual problems? I believe that we cannot ignore the law but must enforce it as interpreted by the courts. If we don’t, then our legal system is not worth the paper upon which it is written.
For all of these reasons and more, I implore Gov. David Ige and Mayor Harry Kim to do the right thing. The protesters have the right to express their dissatisfaction. They do not have the right to run up costs of millions of dollars just to keep them contained. Their latest claim that the array of telescopes is indicative of an urban setting is ludicrous as well as hypocritical. Their “Maunakea City” is much more urban-like than the telescopes have ever been. Finally, they do not have the right to defy the Hawaii Supreme Court and to deny residents and visitors access to a mountain that is no way solely theirs. Please open discussion about the management of the mountain but only after you have cleared the road for everyone.
Kerrill J. Kephart
Waimea