The TMT, OHA, and The General Election 11/6

[PaulW]

Thanks for the information, HOTPE. Whether someone supports the telescope or not is important. Not just for the telescope but also whether they believe in the rule of law and don't pander to vocal minorities.

[glinda]

I still think gravitating towards support for Kalei Akaka because of a single line of outright support for one issue is a bit shortsighted. Especially in this instance where the opposing candidate, Esther Kia'aina, is by far more qualified to address the issues you are concerned with. And, has a full on working relationship with all the parties involved on both the state and federal level..

Here's a bit from today's CB article...

Both Kia'aina and Akaka are Democrats but differ in their political experience and styles. Kia'aina has a long history of public service in state and federal government and tends to speak in technical terms, whereas Akaka has limited experience working at the Hawaii Legislature and describes her platform in broad generalities.

Akaka is the granddaughter of the late Sen. Daniel Akaka and says she wants to carry on his legacy. She supports improving education and increasing OHA’s partnerships with other organizations. She frequently cites her grandfather as an inspiration and influence and says good family values are among the biggest strengths she would bring to OHA.

“I know people talk about experience, I have 35 years of experience in having been born and raised in my family in doing things with the spirit of aloha,” she says.

Kia'aina says she also cares about extending Sen. Akaka’s legacy, but would bring her years of knowledge gleaned from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and the U.S. Department of Interior.

“For me it’s not just experience at all levels of government but experience for issues that are critically important for the OHA,” says Kia'aina, citing her work in land management when she was deputy director at the DLNR...

For OHA to grow out of the shadow of past mismanagement they need trustees that actually know how to function in the halls of government. Who actually know how to represent their constituents. Mature experienced managers that can get a job done. Not somebody's well intentioned granddaughter looking to get some on the job training at the expense of her constituents. The current Hawaii County Council debacle involving one of Puna's representatives is a great example of what that gets you.. isn't it?

[PaulW]

"I believe that Native Hawaiians should have a greater say in such management and determining the future of Mauna Kea"

Is Kia'aina going to take DNA tests to decide whose opinion matters and whose doesn't? Such outdated thinking.

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

I still think gravitating towards support for Kalei Akaka because of a single line of outright support for one issue is a bit shortsighted...HOTPE's Trustee Candidates Who Support the TMT myopic view on things.

In my post above describing the OHA candidates meeting, it was pointed out that:
Aila kept getting interrupted by the audience yelling “auwe” and “hewa” and “ku kiai mauna!”

In fact, many people on boards, at hearings, running for office, and PUEO, have been treated similarly because of audience members who objected to a single stance, their support for the TMT. It seems fairly common on this issue, some were even shouted down and unable to complete a sentence. Did the listeners ask to hear their other views? Is that OK? Or is it only shortsighted when I post a thread about the topic?

If you read my OP, I didn’t recommend any candidate, I simply provided information about their stand on the TMT for anyone who might consider it an important factor in their decision when they vote. You on the other hand took it upon yourself to endorse a specific contender for the seat, going so far as to suggest she’s “better” - Esther Kia'aina, is by far more qualified... I think Esther is a much better candidate

[kalakoa]

Or is it only shortsighted when I post a thread about the topic?

That depends which markers your DNA has. Don't worry, the test is painless.

[PaulW]

"what I see as matters belonging to the Hawaiian community alone"

So don't vote, or you're a hypocrite.

[TomK]

"I still think gravitating towards support for Kalei Akaka because of a single line of outright support for one issue is a bit shortsighted."

It's an issue that is very important so of course, voters will make decisions based on that single issue. Perhaps you think that those not wanting to lose the ability to get health insurance that covers previous conditions should ignore their choices? It's a single issue, just like the TMT, but you think it should be ignored because there are other issues?

People vote based on their own ideas and who they think represents their ideas best. Glinda - if only you could understand that most people do not vote based on race.

"And still I (a life long haole) felt inclined to not intrude in what I see as matters belonging to the Hawaiian community alone. But more recently it is obvious that there is a hoale centric thrust to some of the candidates and it is incumbent upon us, specially those that believe in OHA and its mission, to balance that humbug out.

Just like with HOTPE, who I assume is a haole, thrusting his haole centric concerns into a Hawaiian issue race caused me to share my support for Esther Kia'aina. I think Esther is a much better candidate for a myriad of reasons. Way more than HOTPE's Trustee Candidates Who Support the TMT myopic view on things."

[TomK]

quote:

---

Originally posted by lisa

Myopic vision of the universe --- has my support!!! Thanks HOTPE, DanD, TomK, Geochem and other science supporting members of Punaweb!

---

Thank you, lisa, your support for science hasn't gone unnoticed!

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

Myopic vision of the universe --- has my support!!!

Thank for your comment lisa!

I thought I would add one more remark about support for "single issue" topics. As it concerns Mauna Kea, maintaining the current use and administration of the mountain allows Native Hawaiians access so they may honor and observe their cultural and religious practices, without interference. The observatories can coexist, quiet with low traffic and little activity required for their operations. The existing system is inclusive, which allows for multiple uses, for different purposes, by many of Hawaii's people.

On the other hand, an extreme example of "single issue" thinking might be the transfer of Mauna Kea's management to an organization whose stated intention is to limit single use access of the mountain, for Members Only. Trustees of OHA who are proponents of a restrictive use policy on Mauna Kea, have not even put forward a plan explaining which Hawaiian cultural and religious activities would be allowed on the mountain. Those practiced before 1850? Before 1893? After 1893? How would acceptable practices be determined? Would they require hundreds of pages of plans for the activity? Zero waste (no Parliament cigarette butts or empty beer cans)? An environmental impact statement? Could their use be contested?

Would they need to submit their qualifications as a Native Hawaiian practitioner with a resume of their study and background in Hawaiian cultural activities or religious studies?

Or would the determination be made by blood quantum alone? Wouldn't that be the ultimate in a "single issue" use of our mountain? Yes glinda, I said it, our mountain. We all live here, together, and would have to pretend we're in a different reality to think otherwise.

[kalakoa]

an organization whose stated intention is to limit single use access of the mountain, for Members Only

If such an organization were proposed by, and staffed with, "haole occupiers", then it would be construed as having no legitimacy.