Tension has grown between native Hawaiians and the organization behind the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope, however, it has made some confusing yet reasonable explanations as to why the Thirty Meter Telescope should be constructed, or not.
The natives of Hawaii are loving and blissful people, which is why vacationers prefer staying in the peaceful island of Hawaii. One of the most beautiful spots on their sacred mountain, Mauna Kea, is bound to be the position of the Thirty Meter Telescope.
Trustees for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs on Thursday voted to rescind their support for building the giant telescope near the summit of Mauna Kea, however, they did not entirely oppose the project. The board of trustees in 2009 voted to support Mauna Kea as the site for the $1.4 billion Thirty Meter Scope. The board held a special meeting Thursday to revisit its stance, considering the mounting opposition as 31 protesters blocking the construction site were arrested earlier this month.
Trustees were given the option to vote for maintaining support, opposition towards the project, or rescinding the previous position and take a neutral stance. They listened to hours of public comments for and against the project. Even though some trustees were ready to vote for rescinding while others wanted opposition, ultimately they join others to only rescind. It’s not entirely clear what kind of effect OHA’s position will have on the Thirty Meter Telescope project.
Native Hawaiians have deep sentiments towards the mountain and joined the opposition in an attempt to preserve Mauna Kea. They addressed their concerns in a letter to Governor Lingor, Governor of Hawaii. Not only are they opposing construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope due to its harmful impact on their culture and history, but have also contested against the flawed process by which the construction contract was secured in the first place.
One of the many concerns natives share was at the time the construction permit was obtained, project bearers did not establish the safety of the telescope with the results to its impact on the public health and natural resources in the region. In addition, they drew attention to how the authorities did not confirm that the project would not draw benefits out of their sacred land.
It has become crystal clear during this ongoing mess: Both sides are very passionate about what they believe in. Which is why all Mauna Kea stakeholders must come together and discuss a mutually agreeable plan for its future.
