09-08-2008, 10:35 AM
At a forum recently Lorraine Inouye was asked about the telescope and local jobs. She replied that she believed that there were some local hires for custodial and maintenance purposes. I do not know for a fact but have reason to believe that the major construction will be of a very specialized nature and except for concrete and grading the trades are likely to be imported.
I do not mention this to discredit the science of the project.
The Mauna Kea science history is very typical of Hawaiian history in general and from a local perspective consists of those with power and money doing exactly what they want when they want and where they want.
It may seem obstructionist to not immediately welcome another large telescope venture doing what it wants when it wants without consulting the host culture. The desire by groups such as the Kanaka Council and others to not let the powers assume that Mauna Kea is theirs for the taking is a change, and not necessarily for the worst.
It resembles the CDP process where in the past the big decisions were made by the few to the benefit of the few. Community activism changes that formula. As we watch that plantation era format fade we will see it change in more than one sphere. Astronomy included.
As for seeking local input. The State of Hawaii DOT is another typical case and it's history is worth considering in respect to Mauna Kea. The DOT (large government money spending department) has finally learned that (due to losing federal lawsuits) it needs to take community input. It still has not grasped the concept of actually listening to community input. DOT just takes the meeting notes and buries it all in a file somewhere and checks off a box on a form.
So consider that when you see someone like Kale Gumapac say he is opposed to the 30 meter telescope that there may be valuable negotiating points and precedent to consider. There may be more depth there than a simple knee jerk reaction.
Best thing to do in my opinion is to simply ask Kale about it personally. I know the Pahoa forum, with 60 second time bites, didn't allow for depth of answers. Hopefully Kale, who is very busy right now, might see this topic and have the time to expand.
I have learned to assume the best and ask questions.....
I do not mention this to discredit the science of the project.
The Mauna Kea science history is very typical of Hawaiian history in general and from a local perspective consists of those with power and money doing exactly what they want when they want and where they want.
It may seem obstructionist to not immediately welcome another large telescope venture doing what it wants when it wants without consulting the host culture. The desire by groups such as the Kanaka Council and others to not let the powers assume that Mauna Kea is theirs for the taking is a change, and not necessarily for the worst.
It resembles the CDP process where in the past the big decisions were made by the few to the benefit of the few. Community activism changes that formula. As we watch that plantation era format fade we will see it change in more than one sphere. Astronomy included.
As for seeking local input. The State of Hawaii DOT is another typical case and it's history is worth considering in respect to Mauna Kea. The DOT (large government money spending department) has finally learned that (due to losing federal lawsuits) it needs to take community input. It still has not grasped the concept of actually listening to community input. DOT just takes the meeting notes and buries it all in a file somewhere and checks off a box on a form.
So consider that when you see someone like Kale Gumapac say he is opposed to the 30 meter telescope that there may be valuable negotiating points and precedent to consider. There may be more depth there than a simple knee jerk reaction.
Best thing to do in my opinion is to simply ask Kale about it personally. I know the Pahoa forum, with 60 second time bites, didn't allow for depth of answers. Hopefully Kale, who is very busy right now, might see this topic and have the time to expand.
I have learned to assume the best and ask questions.....
Assume the best and ask questions.
Punaweb moderator
Punaweb moderator