As you may or may not have heard this week, Native Hawaiians are protesting the construction of the massive Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) on the slopes of Mauna Kea, one of our sacred mountains. This post, last updated July 19, 2019, is an attempt to consolidate information for awareness and links to send support to Mauna Kea’s protectors. It is a LONG post, but if you have ever considered yourself an ally to indigenous peoples, please take the time to inform yourself and spread the word.
What is TMT? - If completed, TMT will be the largest telescope on the planet. It is desirable to the scientific community because it is anticipated to be able to study distant planets that might contain life and/or the oldest parts of the universe. Note that TMT is funded by partners outside of Hawai’i [source] and has been an ongoing project since 2003, with protests halting construction back in 2014 and 2015 as well. [article]
What are the reasons for opposing TMT? - Although these scientific advancements sound amazing, the process for building TMT has been mishandled in terms of selecting an appropriate location. Mauna Kea is ideal for the telescope because of conditions on the mountain, but the native community opposes building on the mountain because it is considered sacred in our traditions. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) submitted on behalf of TMT acknowledges this. [link to full EIS]
Additionally, because TMT is so large, there are environmental concerns that construction may affect the aquifer underlying the mountain and thus damage the fragile ecosystem and water supply. Note also that Mauna Kea is located on public trust lands, and the Hawai‘i State Constitution guarantees access to traditional sites for cultural and religious purposes.
Aren’t there already telescopes on Mauna Kea? - Yes, and the native community has opposed construction of past telescopes as well. TMT is receiving more backlash, however, for a few reasons. First, because it is by far the largest and will do an extreme amount of damage in terms of desecration. Second, because we are renewing our efforts to reconnect with our heritage and defend our cultural and environmental resources. For more historical context on the past 50 years of mismanagement of Mauna Kea by the State, see this video.
Are there Native Hawaiians who support TMT? - Yes, this is a divisive issue with a diversity of opinion. I personally have friends who support TMT because they still believe that construction can be done respectfully. It is important not to harass pro-TMT Hawaiians or pit Hawaiians against each other. I do wish, however, that non-natives who are pro-TMT would not use pro-TMT Hawaiians as shields from criticism.
Isn’t opposing TMT anti-science? - No. Opposition to this project is not coming from a place of “anti-science.” Our ancestors, the ancient Hawaiians, were astronomers who used the stars to navigate the Pacific and highly valued science. The issue is the blatant disrespect for indigenous values, lands, & the fact that TMT’s board, the University of Hawai’i, and the State government all know of Mauna Kea’s extreme cultural importance but continue to force construction anyway.
TIMELINE OF CURRENT EVENTS
July 15, 2019 - As TMT construction was set to begin again, hundreds of Native Hawaiians assembled on Mauna Kea to block construction crews from reaching the summit. The frontline included kupuna (elders) and 7 individuals who chained themselves to a cattle grate to block the road. [link] [link with video] Hawai‘i Governor David Ige stated that National Guard units could be used to transport TMT personnel. [source] The day ended with no arrests and no construction equipment ascending the mountain.
July 17, 2019 - Heavily armed police forces from multiple counties arrived. [source] Over 20 kupuna were the first to be arrested, wheelchairs and all, placed in police vans and restrained with zip ties. [video] [see also official press release containing their names] State spokesperson confirmed that the arrests were for “obstruction of a government operation.” [source] Meanwhile, former governor Abercrombie referred to protestors as “oppressors.” [source] Gov. Ige then declared a “state of emergency,” invoking emergency powers that include authority to mobilize the National Guard. [source 1] [source 2]
As of July 18, the encampment is still on the mountain prepared to lay their bodies on the line, but requesting supplies and money (see links below).
Pu‘uhonua o Pu‘uhuluhulu is one of the official groups responsible for the peaceful demonstrations, vowing to remain peaceful according to the concepts of kapu aloha and aloha ‘aina. Follow the official twitter here (@puuhuluhulu) for updates.
KAHEA (The Hawaiian-Environmental Alliance) is another group organizing for Mauna Kea and has a donation page here. Funds donated through this page are focused on frontline logistics, but there are more links for legal defense funds.
HULI (Hawai‘i Unity and Liberation Group) is a group focused on non-violent direct action at Mauna Kea and also requests donations here.
Donate bail funds to the Hawai‘i Community Bail Fund.
Donate supplies through the Mauna Medics Gift Registry here.
A GoFundMe page for “Mauna Kea Relief Funds” was also created in solidarity with the protectors here.
You can sign a Change.org petition to halt construction here.
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