03-29-2016, 03:49 AM
I was wondering about this the other day. While the protestors were an effective vocal minority, they were, in the end, a minority. This being a presidential election, there will be increased turnout at the polls. While catering to the vocal minority helps when there is no election on the horizon, it would not surprise me one bit if all of the politicians start checking which way the wind blows on this issue. While many people, particularly conflicted Native Hawaiians, were unwilling to speak out against the protestors, they could silently speak out against the protestors in November by electing council members, state senators, etc. that are Pro-TMT.
And, to some extent, politicians would have an easy out for changing their positions post-election, something along the lines of "I've seen how the people have spoken on this issue, and I won't go against that popular opinion."
Of course, perhaps I'm just out of touch on what the actual public opinion is. My guess is that it is probably on the order of 70-30 on the island, and much more than that outside of Puna and Ka'u. But that's just my wild guess.
And, to some extent, politicians would have an easy out for changing their positions post-election, something along the lines of "I've seen how the people have spoken on this issue, and I won't go against that popular opinion."
Of course, perhaps I'm just out of touch on what the actual public opinion is. My guess is that it is probably on the order of 70-30 on the island, and much more than that outside of Puna and Ka'u. But that's just my wild guess.
Leilani Estates, 2011 to Present