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From the West Hawaii Toad @ http://www.westhawaiitoday.com/news/loca...understand
Hawaii County Mayor-elect Harry Kim says TMT proponents should better understand those who hold Mauna Kea sacred
It could be a symbol of unity, a structure that represents mankind’s desire to learn atop Mauna Kea.
But should the Thirty Meter Telescope come to fruition, telescope supporters will need to be more understanding of those who don’t want to see the project built atop a mountain they hold sacred.
“You have to change your way of how you approach the messenger,” told a room full of Rotary Club of Kona Sunrise members Wednesday morning at Humpy’s Big Island Alehouse in Kailua-Kona. “It’s a simple statement of, ‘We were wrong. We will be better.’ That’s where we must go.”
One should put themselves in a project opponent’s shoes, Kim told the breakfast crowd. Instead of just saying they understand where that side is coming from, truly learn about history and why one would hold the mountain sacred.
“It’s a special gift to the people of this world,” Kim said of the mountain on which the state-of-the art telescope was slated for construction before protests and a court ruling eventually postponed it.
“When you use this gift, please remember that 99 percent of the people on this island, when they look at Mauna Kea, it’s not as a place of science, they look at it because, some for the majesticness of its beauty, but for many, it’s part of their soul.”
More at the link above...
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Well then don't develop anything ever. We all resonate with nature differently. Some are called by mountains and others the ocean or the rain forest.
Higher education and knowledge of the stars, other galaxies and possibly other inhabitable planets and I could go on forever...IS COMPATIBLE WITH CONSIDERING THE MOUNTAIN SACRED. There's still space to move around....So what is the problem? I can tell you very succinctly...
Selfish small minded people and not very bright politicians who don't know better than to coddle bad behaviors and keep this island in it's apparent state of ignorance. The Big Isla is quite famously known as a banana republic. Just look at our mayor.
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Well that's disappointing he is thinking this way. It's misleading to say 99% view the mountain as more than just science. Yeah, there's hunting, hiking, biking, off-roading, god-worship, ancestor worship, etc. Those things and science can be beautiful too. It's not like the TMT is going to be a resort with golf and an airport.
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While I agree with Harry's sentiments, I wish there were more clear voices among the supporters of sacred Mauna Kea to promote a greater understanding of their position. I think those of us who have seen the vastness of the Grand Canyon, and the grandeur of the Grand Teton Mountains understand some of what what Mauna Kea supporters are trying to say. If left to the wishes of businessmen, both the Grand Canyon and Tetons would now be mining operations, gutted for their minerals.
Unfortunately, the Native Hawaiian people who have the greatest understanding of cultural issues and the ability to thoughtfully and carefully explain their viewpoint to TMT supporters, are often thrust to the side by the loudest advocates, who are also least likely to change hearts and minds.
I would only add, that as Harry Kim spoke these words:
this is symbolic of our total disrespect, disregard and on how we’re treated,
he is pictured wearing a flower lei from Thailand. Is this the mayor's way of showing respect and regard for one of the few surviving businesses here in East Hawaii (ornamental cut flowers)? Yes, I know, it could be a gift and he would be rude not to accept it, but that's what mayoral assistants are for. They should be certain the mayor is seen to represent and understand local employers, which should be in his best interest, especially so he can be seen to walk the walk while he talks the talk.
No fathers or mothers think their own children ugly; and this self-deceit is yet stronger with respect to the offspring of the mind. -Miguel de Cervantes, novelist (1547-1616)
"I'm at that stage in life where I stay out of discussions. Even if you say 1+1=5, you're right - have fun." - Keanu Reeves
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And, with good fortune, he said, the project will be built and represent the ideals of unity.
“A symbol on the mountain,” Kim said, that “everyone can see and every person who comes to this island can see a symbol of mankind, of working together, in the quest for knowledge, a quest for knowledge to make us a better people and better stewards of this island.”
Well said Mr Kim. Now please make it happen.
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let's not nitpick the statement to death. it's a good statement. a message of understanding. listen, then speak, or just keep listening.
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The options market on 452-b real-estate just took a jump. Harness enough bio-gas & it's just a sunday drive...
***Still can't figure out how to spell 'car' correctly***
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let's not nitpick... listen
Our current mayor is a fine example of what can happen when we don't analyze or question the statements and soaring oratory of our elected officials.
No fathers or mothers think their own children ugly; and this self-deceit is yet stronger with respect to the offspring of the mind. -Miguel de Cervantes, novelist (1547-1616)
"I'm at that stage in life where I stay out of discussions. Even if you say 1+1=5, you're right - have fun." - Keanu Reeves
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Harry is perhaps over the hill and out of his depth at this point. Decent guy,but,,,,.
I wonder what would have happened if Angel Pilago had been elected
Mayor in 2008.
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