TMT construction begins Monday 15 July

[birdmove]

Can someone tell me, of the existing telescopes on the mountain, how many are still actively being used? Can't seem to find this via Google.

Jon in Keaau/HPP

[MattKarma]

quote:

---

Originally posted by lisa

"Master Navigator Kalepa Baybayan says it’s been hard to be one of the few Native Hawaiians vocally advocating for the telescopes over the last decade or so"

Bold by me.

I too know of a number of Hawaiian that are for the TMT, but are afraid to express their opinion publicly. Or vocally.

---

For me, support of protesters is based on fear of rogue “science”. So yeh, it works the other way too ... rogue protesters/vacationers can be answered by true science.

Looks like TMT is already beat: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-14205720

Made in Europe mostly. ... there is some colonial dinosaur thinking going on here.


***Still can't figure out how to spell 'car' correctly***

[ironyak]

birdmove - Can someone tell me, of the existing telescopes on the mountain, how many are still actively being used?

Hard to find an easy summary, but others can verify - 11 of the 13 current scopes are in operation, 2 are awaiting the EIS for their decommission, and the plans are to decommission 3 more by the time TMT would be completed.

https://www.maunakeaastronomyjobs.org/mauna_kea.html

[glinda]

From the Trib..

https://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/201...dee48ba06f

TMT protesters nix apparent offer by Kim regarding access road

Thirty Meter Telescope opposition leaders have rejected an apparent offer by Mayor Harry Kim to temporarily suspend construction of TMT in exchange for protesters halting their blockade on Maunakea Access Road...

More at link above.

[reni]

about the existing telescopes,

"11 of the 13 current scopes are in operation, 2 are awaiting the EIS for their decommission, and the plans are to decommission 3 more by the time TMT would be completed."

Questions,
Does anyone know how long both (planned to be commissioned)telescopes have been awaiting their Environmental Impact Statements?

Has work actually begun on their E.I. Statements?

What is the anticipated time frame for The EIS for each?

[ironyak]

Update: there never was a deal and Harry lacks any authority to make one... Cue the music for the political two-step shuffle...

[glinda]

From: https://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2019/...ge-letter/

Gabbard Sends Letter to Ige...

Aloha Governor Ige,

While no one can change the past, now is the time for leaders to build a new, just path for the future. As we approach the end of week two of the standoff at Mauna Kea, I urge you to deactivate the National Guard, withdraw the emergency declaration, and delay any new construction.

While the legal process has determined that the Thirty Meter Telescope project may proceed, there are spiritual and cultural issues that have not been addressed. This is about something much greater than one telescope project — it has to do with longstanding history on Mauna Kea, broken promises, desecration of sacred land and disrespect for native culture.

The kia'i have shown that they are pa'a in their commitment to protecting Mauna Kea. No show of force can overcome the power of aloha 'aina spanning multiple generations chaining themselves to cattle guards, kupuna prepared to be arrested as many times as it takes, and thousands of protectors holding strong to kapu aloha keeping the entire situation peaceful.

Trust must be earned — it is wrong that our legal process approved the development of a new telescope on a new site on Mauna Kea, without first ensuring the timely removal of facilities identified for decommissioning, removal, and restoration of those sites. This failure and a history of broken promises has resulted in the standoff that we are seeing today, and the lack of trust that government promises to respect the 'aina and sacred places will be kept.

Governor Ige, the seal of the state you represent contains the phrase, "Ua mau ke ea o ka 'aina i ka pono." The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness. Kauikeaouli made this proclamation in 1843 on La Ho'iho'i Ea, when righteousness was restored to the Hawaiian Kingdom. This shouldn't be just a slogan. It must be our way of life.

You have before you an opportunity to start down a new, pono path for the future. I urge you to immediately deactivate the National Guard, withdraw the emergency declaration, and delay any new construction while you bring leaders together from both sides in the spirit of aloha to ho'oponopono and determine the best path forward.

I understand that you have delegated some of this work to Mayor Harry Kim. If I or my office may be of any assistance in these efforts, please don't hesitate to reach out.

With aloha for our 'aina and our people,

Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

Whole story at and more link above

[kalakoa]

Protestors have made it very clear that they neither County nor State have meaningful authority, the only solution they will accept is TMT choosing to build elsewhere.

The situation reminds me of: "you can have 10% of this dollar, or 100% of nothing".

Wondering what this place will become after there's no more Rule of Law.

[ironyak]

kalakoa - Wondering what this place will become after there's no more Rule of Law.

I imagine it'll be a place where people expect or receive few services and have to rely on themselves and neighbors in addressing any pressing issues... Deja vu?

[kalakoa]

https://www.staradvertiser.com/2019/07/2...3e957a125d

But even if Hawaii doesn't face a lawsuit, TMT supporters say if the project fails it could have a chilling effect on future investments in science and business ventures of a similar nature, as well as damage the future of astronomy in Hawaii.
...
TMT supporters also worry that Hawaii could lose an opportunity to diversify its economy with more high-paying and professional jobs, which are particularly lacking on Hawaii island.
The Mauna Kea observatories currently employ about 500 people on Hawaii island...


Apparently the loss of business, jobs, and relevance simply doesn't concerrn the State.

They can just raise taxes. Again.

"To me, the prospect of not having TMT would not be as sad if I could see what the Native Hawaiian community is likely to get out of (stopping) it."

Will stopping TMT cause DHHL to suddenly start granting homestead leases?