05-18-2015, 05:18 PM
FYI: A different perspective, from one whose feet are in both worlds:
(*Snipped - More at link)
http://www.civilbeat.com/connections/why...holarship/
Why I Declined the TMT THINK Scholorship
By Narissa P. Spies
Narrissa Spies is originally from Hawaii Island and is currently a Ph.D. student in the biology department at UH Manoa.
As a Native Hawaiian scientist, I struggled with my decision on whether to support the Thirty Meter Telescope project.
On one hand, the scientist in me knew that this instrument would make discoveries that would advance knowledge for all mankind, but the Native Hawaiian in me knew that this was a culturally sensitive issue that was hurting an entire group of people.
I struggled with my position on this sensitive topic, and I turned to what I know best as a scientist, which was to gather all the facts and make an informed decision for myself.
I read the both volumes of the Environmental Impact Study, and many other documents, and I heard arguments from both sides on why they were supporting their cause. When I came to my decision to oppose construction of the TMT, a large portion of it hung on the ethical concern that I had with what I read in the EIS about how our cultural resources had been substantially and adversely affected, and how that would continue to be the case with construction of TMT. Rather than offering realistic ways of mitigating future degradation, and repairing past damage to resources, TMT offered to start a STEM scholarship fund to support science education.
To me it felt that this was a payoff, a way to buy the cultural resources that are sacred to so many. You cannot purchase a culture, because it is something that is invaluable. As a Native Hawaiian scientist, I felt that this drove a wedge between the Native Hawaiian community and science, when the two can work together quite well.
It put me in a particularly tough place where I was forced to pick a side, and I have taken quite a lot of criticism for my decision to oppose the TMT. I also felt that the TMT project was dismissive of concerns raised by environmental and Native Hawaiian groups, and I have serious concerns about the ethics involved in the planning process of this project.
Let us all hope there is middle ground, somewhere. It is my understanding the Governor "summoned" the young protestors/protectors to his office this past Saturday. The meeting allegedly happened with all parties involved (ie. TMT, State, & Kanaka maoli) from 6PM until past midnight. Protestors state, "not here, build it somewhere else". TMT states (Mr. Yang), "if not here, no where" (not verbatim, but damn close). Let us hope that common ground is found.
(*Note: Protestors/protectors will NOT stand down. There is no "middle ground" for these young people; led by some older ones who will make matters worse, in my opinion. As an example, going to Canada to profess "war crimes". Please. A'ole.)
Let the chips fall where they may, again. We all have done all we can to find middle ground.
Kane, still trying to decipher the intent of your posts here. E kala mai, however, still trying to take no offense (with no offense meant.)
JMO.
(*Snipped - More at link)
http://www.civilbeat.com/connections/why...holarship/
Why I Declined the TMT THINK Scholorship
By Narissa P. Spies
Narrissa Spies is originally from Hawaii Island and is currently a Ph.D. student in the biology department at UH Manoa.
As a Native Hawaiian scientist, I struggled with my decision on whether to support the Thirty Meter Telescope project.
On one hand, the scientist in me knew that this instrument would make discoveries that would advance knowledge for all mankind, but the Native Hawaiian in me knew that this was a culturally sensitive issue that was hurting an entire group of people.
I struggled with my position on this sensitive topic, and I turned to what I know best as a scientist, which was to gather all the facts and make an informed decision for myself.
I read the both volumes of the Environmental Impact Study, and many other documents, and I heard arguments from both sides on why they were supporting their cause. When I came to my decision to oppose construction of the TMT, a large portion of it hung on the ethical concern that I had with what I read in the EIS about how our cultural resources had been substantially and adversely affected, and how that would continue to be the case with construction of TMT. Rather than offering realistic ways of mitigating future degradation, and repairing past damage to resources, TMT offered to start a STEM scholarship fund to support science education.
To me it felt that this was a payoff, a way to buy the cultural resources that are sacred to so many. You cannot purchase a culture, because it is something that is invaluable. As a Native Hawaiian scientist, I felt that this drove a wedge between the Native Hawaiian community and science, when the two can work together quite well.
It put me in a particularly tough place where I was forced to pick a side, and I have taken quite a lot of criticism for my decision to oppose the TMT. I also felt that the TMT project was dismissive of concerns raised by environmental and Native Hawaiian groups, and I have serious concerns about the ethics involved in the planning process of this project.
Let us all hope there is middle ground, somewhere. It is my understanding the Governor "summoned" the young protestors/protectors to his office this past Saturday. The meeting allegedly happened with all parties involved (ie. TMT, State, & Kanaka maoli) from 6PM until past midnight. Protestors state, "not here, build it somewhere else". TMT states (Mr. Yang), "if not here, no where" (not verbatim, but damn close). Let us hope that common ground is found.
(*Note: Protestors/protectors will NOT stand down. There is no "middle ground" for these young people; led by some older ones who will make matters worse, in my opinion. As an example, going to Canada to profess "war crimes". Please. A'ole.)
Let the chips fall where they may, again. We all have done all we can to find middle ground.
Kane, still trying to decipher the intent of your posts here. E kala mai, however, still trying to take no offense (with no offense meant.)
JMO.