I recently attended a lecture that focused on Mauna Kea.

One of the speakers was an astronomy teacher who gave a PowerPoint presentation explaining why the Thirty Meter Telescope is going to be far superior to all the other telescopes that exist today, and how Mauna Kea is absolutely the best place on the planet for deep space observations from Earth.

I’m sick and tired of hearing this spiel. Astronomers seem to think that we Hawaiians are ignorant, and that if we would just listen to them more carefully, we would “get it” and then stop advocating for change.

I find this approach to be exceedingly condescending. I don’t disagree with any of the scientific merits of the telescope. However, what the astronomers don’t get, and perhaps never will, is that the preservation of our beloved mountain trumps all of the astronomical benefits.

Nanette Naioma Napoleon
Kailua

Telescopes actually serve to consecrate

The purpose of the telescopes currently on Mauna Kea and the proposed Thirty Meter Telescope is to build on our understanding of the universe in which we live.

This is one of mankind’s highest aspirations.

By contributing to this knowledge, these telescopes in fact consecrate the land on Mauna Kea.

Robert Cence
Kahala

Hawaiians didn’t originate in Hawaii

As a Native Hawaiian, I find it hard to swallow the explanation that Mauna Kea is sacred because it is where the creation story begins.

The Hawaiian people were not “created” here; they came from afar, using their knowledge of the stars, ocean currents and many long journeys over hundreds of years to arrive over time.

It is not uncommon for early people to deal with phenomena that they may not understand scientifically by developing a belief system to “explain” why things in nature are the way they are. But, time and additional knowledge help clear up such misunderstanding.

Therefore, I support the building of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea to achieve more knowledge about the unknowns in our universe.

Although I’m 50 percent Hawaiian, I do not ascribe to ancient belief systems. I live in the here and now, and wish my children and grandchildren more knowledge and foresight to guide their future existence on our planet.

Gladys Lucas
Mililani

Deal with Iran good as it’s going to get

Cliff Halevi seeks to advance the mistaken notion that we can tighten sanctions on Iran and get a better deal (“Iran deal will lead to war, not avoid it,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, Aug. 13).

This is a dangerous fantasy.

The existing sanctions are already wobbling. Both Russia and China are doing deals at the margins and Switzerland has removed its sanctions. So it is extremely unlikely the U.S. would get the unified international support it needs for tougher sanctions.

Second, if I am Iran and just spent a couple years negotiating with the West, how likely am I to be coming back to the table to renegotiate another deal which, by definition, is more restrictive? More likely I would conclude (with reason) that the West has negotiated in bad faith and can’t be trusted.

Further, Iran would assume an attack is more likely and therefore it needs to develop a nuclear deterrent ASAP.

There’s no “better deal.”

Jim King
Hawaii Kai

Protect the balance of town and country

My family was attracted to Oahu by its idealistic balance of “town and country.” We vacationed here and decided to stay.

Rampant development of the country is disturbing this essential balance and, if continued, will leave residents and tourists alike disenchanted.

While development generates income, Oahu’s tourist industry is the backbone of its economy. If development of the country negatively affects tourism, our economy will spiral downward, making the island progressively less enchanting and leaving the homeless to “sit and lie” wherever they please.

“Keep the country country” should be heeded even if it requires rewriting the book. I suggest that the state or the North Shore Community Land Trust acquire the Dillingham Ranch land and leave it in its natural state for all to enjoy (“Ag land acrimony,” Star-Advertiser, Aug. 12). This would have a positive impact on the state’s finances and improve the quality of life of residents, tourists and wildlife.

Kennedy Wilson Inc. could redevelop needy areas in “town.”

Richard Zarbetski
Waialua

Obama doing what’s best for the country

According to pundits, the Democrats’ crushing defeat in the 2014 election signaled the beginning of President Barack Obama’s lame-duck presidency, which drew cheerful reactions from the Republicans, who wanted him reduced to virtual irrelevancy.

However, events that transpired lately, such as the U.S. Supreme Court’s decisions upholding the legality of the Affordable Care Act subsidies and legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide, demonstrate Obama’s dominance in the political process.

Further, Congress passed Obama’s Trade Promotion Authority bill, and, under his tutelage, diplomatic relations with Cuba were restored and an agreement to curb Iran’s nuclear program was reached.

Obama’s momentous achievements are the products of his persistent and fervent desire to move the country forward, while the Republicans continue to preach the gospel of divisiveness and intolerance. His calm demeanor, courage and ingenuity guided him in his quest to do what is best for the country and the American people.

Rod B. Catiggay
Mililani