Do you believe that the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown and that many Native Hawaiians are still waiting for lands that were taken away?

If you are one of many who do, is it any wonder that these “protectors” of Mauna Kea are still trying to make their voices heard?

The state of Hawaii has made promises and has yet to fulfill the ones to sustain, to grow and to provide a life that Hawaii’s children can call their own.

There are positives and negatives on both sides for the Thirty Meter Telescope construction. We should read and listen to both sides to better understand what is at stake here. But if we go back to that time in history, when Queen Liliuokalani was overthrown, she wanted to save her people from physical harm and knew that the loss of lives would be great.

Today, her people are making their voices heard and presence known to keep Mauna Kea sacred and protected for all generations to come. They unite in peace and I can only hope that this time, their voices will be heard.

Carol Ann Alina

Pauoa Valley

Click here to read more Letters to the Editor.