I would agree with Bill Punini Prescott that the Hawaiians protesting the Thirty Meter Telescope are using the old religion to oppose the construction on Mauna Kea — but not falsely, as he claimed (“Hawaiian religion not relevant to TMT,” Star-Advertiser, Letters, June 30).

They have every right to do so, to practice their religion however they believe. The right to build a kuahu is justified, and part of the old religion; it is their chosen location and intent for it that is questionable.

It is my understanding they built their kuahu in the space on Mauna Kea where the telescope would be built. What, then, was the intention of the altar? The foundation of their spiritual altar was intended to be a wedge in the building project, not the place for spiritual offerings to their gods.

There is still a chance to correct the wrongs that have been done by both sides. Hooponopono is the correct path.

Cy Kamuela Harris

Kaimuki

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