11-25-2018, 04:28 AM
quote:
Originally posted by TomK
I don't understand your meaning and other than some nonsense from some fringe groups I don't see any evidence that environmentalists are leading the TMT protests. The subject of this thread is about environmentalists being a big force behind the TMT protests, but having experienced the protests first-hand I really have no idea how you came up with this hypothesis. Please provide some evidence. Thanks.
I too would argue against using the term environmentalist in this context - I'm an environmentalist, and constantly advocate for minimizing the damage humans do to the planet. I think a better term to use is "obstructionist" - those who seem intent on obstructing any and every high profile project regardless of whether it might reduce human's global environmental impact (while modestly increasing local impacts - i.e. NIMBYs - e.g. Hu Honua, or the development of a timber industry in Hawaii and opposed planting of trees on old sugar land) or bring new knowledge into the community.
But there are no small number of obstructionists who are members of environmental groups - that gives them a good cover story... Tom, you asked for names - try Nelson Ho or Deborah Ward - both outspoken members of the Big Island chapter of the Sierra Club - and both ardently opposed to TMT - and a host of other projects in the past. I believe one or both have advocated for the removal of all telescopes from the Mauna Kea summit. Given that the State political establishment has become very sympathetic to the preservation of Hawaiian culture, this provides another good cover story for the obstructionist faction. I wouldn't argue that the TMT Hawaiian Culture protests are being scripted by the Sierra Club, but I would be surprised if there wasn't a good deal of encouragement...