I have no doubt that many of the protestors on Mauna Kea feel that the mountain itself has been misused historically. I have no doubt that many of the protesters on Mauna Kea are certain that adding another telescope will not benefit their culture, or their own communities.

I also have no doubt that the leaders of this protest understand the importance of setting a precedent. Halting a major project that was many years in the works, won several legal battles, and provided all the necessary environmental impact statements, will only lead to more protests.

Housing, commercial development and public facilities will come under more scrutiny and protest. By not enforcing the law, our officials have let us down and set us up for major complications in the future.

There are around 1.43 million people in Hawaii. To allow the actions and views of several thousand to dictate the ability of our future generations to go out and make their fortune is morally repugnant.

John Souza

Kuliouou

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