TMT construction begins Monday 15 July

[Frank]

So ...Kanuha is lying, disingenuous and all the other that is associated with "No Trust Here"??

[TomK]

I think it's fair to say his word can no longer be trusted. This was discussed earlier, see page 31 onwards in this thread.

[Rob Tucker]

The protectors, as I understand it, are unhappy with the way Maunakea has been managed. Has anyone considered letting them have a part to manage themselves. Hard to play Monoply if you have no real estate. Consider allocating to them one of the decommissioning facilities. They can use it as they wish. Multi-million dollar building. Parking. Restrooms. A view of earth and the heavens. Tear it down. Make it a heiau. Let it be it's own Hawaiian Maunakea destination. Manage it.

Has that been considered at all?

[Frank]

nice consideration Rob...conciliatory...grounds for agreement...

[TomK]

Rob - I know it's been discussed, or something like it, but not seriously as far as I know. It's an interesting idea but I have a hard time seeing how it would actually work. The main problem that I see is that the protesters are made up of several sub-groups who all want different things and are protesting for different reasons. The most militant group want all the observatories gone and Hawaii to secede from the US and become a sovereign country ruled by a monarch, the least just don't want the TMT built here and they'd be happy with that.

[Rob Tucker]

Well, sometimes a potential answer can reorganize the question.

And it would only work if the Protectors can actually manage themselves and part of Maunakea. If can, can. If no can, no can.

[TomK]

Agreed. In principle, I think it's a fine idea.

[Rob Tucker]

I think they want into the game. Offer them a chance to play. Let them on the board. If can, can. If no can, no can.

Think about it.

[TomK]

Rob - it's not the observatories' offer to make, it's the state and UH. I will certainly mention it though and see how it goes.

[Rob Tucker]

Call me if you want more detail. Aloha.