Potential restrictions to Mauna Kea access

[TomK]

I felt this subject required a separate thread to the current TMT thread. Hope people don't mind, and just want to say first off I am against the proposed restrictions, whether they are temporary emergency restrictions or become more permanent.

I'm tired, so won't provide all the info I can find, but will try and start things off:

Summary: http://bigislandnow.com/2015/07/07/dlnr-...ea-access/

From Opihikao (hope you don't mind me quoting you):

"The BLNR is meeting tomorrow to consider emergency rules to restrict access to Mauna Kea. OHA will be submitting testimony that OPPOSES items C-1 and C-2 of the BLNR meeting agenda. If you are interested in providing testimony, the meeting will be held at the Kalanimoku Building (1151 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu, HI, 96813) at 9:00am tomorrow.
View OHA's testimony here :
OHA's opposition to C-1: http://bit.ly/1HgCcer
OHA's opposition to C-2: http://bit.ly/1UHwrj4
BLNR Agenda for the July 10th meeting: http://1.usa.gov/1RnjHPs"

Some opposition from photographers and amateur astronomers:

http://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2015/0...ea-access/

http://darkerview.com/wordpress/?p=16219

From the protesters:

http://hawaiitribune-herald.com/news/loc...osed-rules

[rainyjim]

I'll start off by pointing out the protestors are already breaking the law. What makes anyone think they won't just break these new laws?

This essentially just punishes everyone else (read: law abiding citizens) besides the protesters.

Not good.

[TomK]

Understood, rainyjim. I'd agree that current laws should be enforced, and it's utterly ridiculous that the state needs to create more laws when they won't enforce ones already in place. It's as if the Keystone cops have all retired and moved into politics.

[ericlp]

I support TMT...

I also support these new restrictions. It's sad that we have to have them, but, if this is what it take to get the telescope built then...so be it.

[TomK]

I think the TMT can still be built without these restrictions. The way they are written, as far as I can tell, would even restrict the current observatories from having emergency supplies in case people are stuck at the summit. I'm sure that's not the intent, but that's how I interpret the rules. Do we also have to tell visiting astronomers, or anyone for that matter, that they are not allowed to bring a backpack on the mountain?

The proposed rules are ridiculous and absurd.

[Mimosa]

Hopefully calmer minds will prevail and the new rules that are proposed will not pass OR be modified to allow the photographers and scientists to carry a back pack .
A more common sense approach would bring in the National Guard - just like in the lava flow emergency or after the hurricane.
Mrs.Mimosa

[TomK]

Just my opinion, but the last thing we need is the national guard to get involved. If there's anything that would increase tension, that would be it.

[rainyjim]

I think if the national guard was sent in it would send a clear message that enough is enough and its time for reality go set in and the law of the land to be enforced.

I also think the national guard should be unecessary. If the HPD and DLNR did their jobs there would be no reason to send them in. As it stands the HPD, DLNR heads and the county prosecutor should all br releived immediately for gross negligence and disregard of the law.

[kalakoa]

current laws should be enforced...

If the HPD and DLNR did their jobs...

Taxes are levied and paid as part of a "social contract" for the common good.

I suggest:

1. Government having violated this contract, we the people are no longer obligated to fund operation of said government.

2. If TMT needs security, let it hire some, they have a "$1.4 B" budget to work with, and these Telescope Police would obviously be obligated to perform the duties for which they are being paid (unlike, say, HPD or the DLNR).

[opihikao]

Mahalo, Mr. Tom, for this thread, and I concur with your assessment of the proposed emergency rules.

BLNR/DLNR continue to fail miserably in conservation, enforcement, and basic management of Mauna Kea.

New Chair of DLNR, Suzanne Case, is a very fair, reasonable, akamai wahine. Attorney General Chin may be percieved as having a conflict of interest, as his firm represented TMT during the permit process.

Further, the proposed rules are full of terminology that will, if passed, end up in litigation. In defense of the administration, none have had to deal with a situation (protest) of this magnitude.

Calling out the National Guard would be the next biggest mistake by the State, the first being closing the road and Visitor's Center.

Today’s Land Board meeting begins at 9 a.m. in Honolulu. A live stream is available at http://www.olelo.org/ and http://oiwi.tv/ .


JMO.

ETA: Fix Olelo TV link.