06-24-2015, 03:27 PM
Rainyjim,
"Just curious...if there is no cleaning station then whats the point of inspecting? In other words, whats the procedure if invasives are found?"
It's a deterrence policy. Observatory vehicles found in an unacceptable state are sent back to sea level and the relevant staff member/s can face a ban from the mountain, although I have no idea how that would be enforced. Incidentally, this also applies to observatory staff who bring their personal vehicle to Hale Pohaku. I also think one argument about having a cleaning station at HP or the VIS is that's it's already too late, as invasives would have already been brought to a sensitive area.
As for today's events, well, they are very troubling. I may have missed it, but have not seen the media report that the protesters have now closed off the mountain to everyone, not just TMT construction crews. No observatory staff or visitors can get to the summit and there has been some hostility from some protestors to those who attempted the drive. In addition, earlier today some people already in the summit area were not allowed to drive down. That is a serious safety concern and should not be allowed to happen again.
My fear right now is what has been a relatively good relationship between observatory staff and the protesters may start to break down. I also suspect others whose business relies on access to the summit won't be too happy and without doubt there are going to be a lot of very unhappy tourists.
"Just curious...if there is no cleaning station then whats the point of inspecting? In other words, whats the procedure if invasives are found?"
It's a deterrence policy. Observatory vehicles found in an unacceptable state are sent back to sea level and the relevant staff member/s can face a ban from the mountain, although I have no idea how that would be enforced. Incidentally, this also applies to observatory staff who bring their personal vehicle to Hale Pohaku. I also think one argument about having a cleaning station at HP or the VIS is that's it's already too late, as invasives would have already been brought to a sensitive area.
As for today's events, well, they are very troubling. I may have missed it, but have not seen the media report that the protesters have now closed off the mountain to everyone, not just TMT construction crews. No observatory staff or visitors can get to the summit and there has been some hostility from some protestors to those who attempted the drive. In addition, earlier today some people already in the summit area were not allowed to drive down. That is a serious safety concern and should not be allowed to happen again.
My fear right now is what has been a relatively good relationship between observatory staff and the protesters may start to break down. I also suspect others whose business relies on access to the summit won't be too happy and without doubt there are going to be a lot of very unhappy tourists.