I think there is a basic misunderstanding here.

Westerners believe that if you offer benefits — good jobs and millions of dollars for education — then maybe you will be allowed to build your observatory.

The “protectors” believe that any new construction on Mauna Kea is simply not allowed (kapu).

Some in Hawaii are asking for reconciliation, or “ho‘oponopono,” between the parties.

Sadly, there is no reconciliation possible. One side says, “This will be good for you and for the world,” and the other side says, “We can never allow this under any circumstances, regardless of any benefits promised to us and our keiki. It is kapu, it is not allowed.”

I know many people on both sides. Neither understands the other. There is no “reconciliation” or “let’s move forward” possible here.

It is very sad for us, and I don’t have any answer. But anyone who thinks they can negotiate with religious belief is perhaps being unrealistic and irrational.

Joel Aycock

Keaau, Hawaii island

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