The Star-Advertiser’s reporting on Mauna Kea fails to understand or acknowledge the unlawful overthrow and annexation of Hawaii as important historical context, describing the issue as rooted in “deep-seated sadness and anger over the loss of (Native Hawaiians’) sovereignty and land” (“Emergency edict puts Mauna Kea off-limits even to cultural practitioners, officials say,” Star-Advertiser, July 19).

Hawaiians didn’t lose their sovereignty and land like you lose a wallet. It was taken from them illegally, which the United States, as the guilty party, officially recognizes. The Star-Advertiser seemingly ignores this fact by essentially arguing that the Thirty Meter Telescope’s “right to build” is equal to (or perhaps greater than) Hawaiians’ right to access naturally and culturally important areas — never mind that bulldozing such an area essentially prevents access by destroying the underlying importance it had to begin with (“Protect rightful access to mauna,” Star-Advertiser, Our View, July 12).

The Star-Advertiser apparently thinks upholding the laws that continue to erode the rights of the people who literally had their nation taken away from them is the right thing to do.

Kenyon Tam

Makiki

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