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"Many of The Canadians may be really pissed off by now that this TMT project has not produced the 800 or more promised high paying jobs for their countries people yet. Wonder What news or reports the Canadian people are hearing or reading that may be causing those jobs to be delayed. Many around the world may be under the impression that Big island residents and protectors have caused this potentially long delay or mess with the TMT, rather than the truth."
What a coincidence. Just today, I spent my time composing a lengthy and detailed hand-written letter explaining the TMT situation which has been addressed to the Canadian government and its fair citizens and residents. I have heard via rumors that they already have electricity, running water and access to a strange thing called the internet through which news is transmitted at frightening speed around the globe. As a postscript, I asked for a reply, by fastest possible means, to my question about this internet phenomenon.
My letter will be sent tomorrow via the next steamship setting sail to Vancouver. It will no doubt have to travel the country by stagecoach to the governmental headquarters. I expect a reply within six months given fair winds and good fortune.
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I expect a reply within six months given fair winds and good fortune.
Unfortunately TomK, you have chosen the most inauspicious of seasons to post your letter to The Great White North. I have heard tales, although to my ears they sound wildly unbelievable, that from a period between December and April, close to the entirety of Canada may be found only after digging through several feet of "kea" which is deposited across their land in layers, brutal storm after storm. It is like the "kea" which occasionally appears on our Mauna Kea, but of a deeper, thicker, and more permanent nature. This could delay delivery of your post for an indefinite period of time, and I apologize in advance for being the bearer of bad news.
I also hope you did not suggest to recipients of your correspondence that the TMT was possibly delayed by sheets of paper that were overlooked. I have met a number of Canadian denizens over the years, and should that be your proposition I can assure you this is the first question they would ask; "was the paper white?" In a nation covered by 3000 miles of blindingly bright alabaster snow for 50% of the year, a few mislaid 8.5"x 11" pieces of white paper would certainly never stop a $1.4 billion dollar project. They would sooner believe a lost tribe of warring yetis appeared from the remote upland forests of Mauna Kea, attacking telescope construction workers with large swinging tree limbs. The Canadian resident would then ask that you sit yourself down, as he offered a bottle of Canadian Club to imbibe while describing the various objects he's heard rumored to have disappeared until the spring thaw each year over the past decade, including but not limited to, dogs, herds of elk, elderly aunts, chicken coops, locomotives, etc... He will conclude by noting that any caution against wearing white after Labor Day in his country has nothing to do with a fashion faux pas, it's strictly a survival mechanism.
He will then ask, "now what, pray tell, is the real reason "this TMT project has not produced the 800 or more promised high paying jobs for their countries people yet?" Surely it cannot be paper.
"I'm at that stage in life where I stay out of discussions. Even if you say 1+1=5, you're right - have fun." - Keanu Reeves
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very rude and disrespectful, much like most tour helicopter pilots
I didn't realize there were helicopter tours of the telescopes. Sign me up.
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Quite how this got onto helicopters is beyond me, but bringing this back to the contested case hearing, Big Island Now has a relatively long and quite interesting summary of the latest news from the hearing:
http://bigislandnow.com/2016/10/28/tmt-h...s-testify/
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kalakoa:
I had an opportunity recently to talk to retired Indian military helicopter pilots who had experience in the Himalayan mountains flying troops and such during some altercations with Pakistan up to 7000 meters elevation.
One of them casually mentioned MK and asked the elevation, I told him it was about 4300 meters.
He then asked if they used helis to lift to the observatories. I half jokingly said "no can permit".
Maybe TomK knows if this was ever tried or considered?
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I was trying to make helicopters relevant to the conversation.
I don't think these guys were rude- just brave to push a heli to that altitude.
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punaticbychoice,
I'm not sure what you mean by "He then asked if they used helis to lift to the observatories". Could you clarify? Thanks.
I'm not an expert, but it is possible for helicopters to get to the summit. Taking heavy loads up there or taking off from 14,000 ft with a load (e.g., a medivac with patients and paramedics) is an issue. Then there's the difference between civil and military helicopters. I'm just not sure what you're asking.
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Sorry, I hit the delete button instead of the edit button. Posts are out of order. Apologies, punaticbychoice.
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No problem Tom.
Was just wondering if helicopter transport has been done or considered, particularly for emergencies?
The helis would have to be modified for altitude and greater lift blades etc.
