The following letter was written today by Mayor Harry Kim to Dr. Noe Noe Wong-Wilson, Mauna Kupuna, regarding the Maunakea Access Road standoff.
Dear Noe Noe,
RE: Resolution to Open Maunakea Access Road
Please review the following offer being made to the Maunakea Protectors to open the Maunakea Access Road.
The TMT Project has informed State officials and Mayor Kim that there will be no attempt to deliver construction equipment to the Maunakea site anytime soon. I, Mayor Kim give you my personal assurances that no attempt will be made to move TMT construction equipment up the mountain for a minimum of two months. During this time, at least until the end of February 2020, the protectors are requested to move the Kupuna tent which is currently on the roadway to the side of the road. This will provide open access to the general public to drive up the road to the Maunakea Visitor Center or to the summit region. This clearance of the roadway will help ensure the safety of visitors and protectors.
During this time, State and County agencies and law enforcement will agree to stand down. There will be no attempt by State of Hawai’i law enforcement agencies or Hawai’i County Police Department to remove the protectors’ encampment from the sides of Maunakea Access Road or from Pu’uhonua o Pu’uhuluhulu.
It is hoped that during this peaceful time, communication between government officials, the astronomy community, community leaders and protectors will continue. I, Mayor Kim will continue to work with TMT to extend the two-month stand-down period if necessary.
Please respond to this offer as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Harry Kim
Mayor