TMT construction begins Monday 15 July

[kalianna]

I have followed this thread closely and with an open mind. When this began I favored building the telescope. It passed the courts and 72 percent of Hawaiians agree, right? But as this drama has unfolded, the ensuing events and conduct of the people taking part in them have left a deep impression on me:

On the one hand, I see the kupuna on the front line, living up on the mountain in harsh conditions, forming a large nuturing community, watching them protest non-violently but steadfastly and with great dignity despite the lack of personal gain for any of them.

And I see that it's not just a dozen wackos but there are many people I respect and/or know who are offering their support. More than a thousand of them.

Then I see the state's response: The telescope is legal. We're starting construction/we're not starting construction, we're arresting/we're not-arresting people. The road is open/closed. Clueless.

Now which of these groups deserves my support?

The reason this island is special is because of the history and cultural traditions of the Hawaiian people, the folks that brought us aloha.

If we build this telescope it will tear this island apart. It's already tearing this island apart. And I've come to the conclusion that the price of progress at the expense of the spirit of this island is too high. Sometimes what is legal just isn't right.