In his commentary, Samuel Wilder King II begins his argument with the phrase, “Like most Hawaiians, I support the Thirty Meter Telescope” (“TMT supporters must be patient, but start taking action,” Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, July 24).

He is not the first writer to assert that he speaks for the majority of the kanaka maoli — or for the majority of island residents. Some oppose the project, others support it, but all claim to reflect the will of the majority. To which I can only respond, “Really? Where is the data?”

Mauna Kea lies within the so-called ceded lands and, as such, may one day be the subject of negotiations between a native Hawaiian political entity and the state and federal governments.

That may be sufficient reason to defer any further construction on the mountain. But it would be helpful to know what those who live here — those of Polynesian descent as well as later arrivals — actually think. Unsubstantiated claims, such as that made by King, offer more fog, not light.

Donald Armstrong

Waikiki

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