TMT construction begins Monday 15 July

[kalakoa]

https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2019/07/...in-monday/

"We have followed a 10-year process to get this point, and the day for construction to begin has arrived," Ige said in a statement issued Wednesday.

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

Good morning starshine
The earth says hello
You twinkle above us
We twinkle below

[leilanidude]

Nothing more stupid than announcing it for the protestors.

[Obie]

They are going to close the access road ?
I have my popcorn ready !!

[Chunkster]

"Nothing more stupid than announcing it for the protestors."

This is Hawaii, and we're talking about Ige. Is anyone surprised?

[MarkP]

Having real protesters really getting arrested might be a good thing. It's not like there is any way that the protesters are going to behave themselves other than when they face rel consequences.

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

Having real protesters really getting arrested

That’s one possible plan. Announce the starting date, let the protestors show up, arrest them (if they break the law)*, lock them up, fine them, and with those consequences many will go home. In the meantime, the roads are cleared and construction equipment can roll.

In the most recent poll from about a year ago, 72% of Native Hawaiians supported the TMT, so we’ll see who shows up for a protest. I’m sure there’s enough for a rally this weekend or early next week.

* edited to add & correct, thank you hilodiver

[kalakoa]

Announce the starting date, let the protestors show up, arrest them

I had the same thought, but then I realized it's still Ige.

[hilodiver]

Arrest and fine protesters just for showing up? I thought we had freedom of speech in this country? As long as they protest peacefully, safely and don't break any laws.

Aloha!

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

Arrest and fine protesters just for showing up?

Of course not. If protestors park legally, stand on the side of the road, hold signs, they’re entitled to do so. Last time however, they illegally blocked roads, trespassed, polluted the water table, rolled rocks on the road, built unpermitted structures without permission of the landowners... If they engage in any of those actions, then arrest them, yes.