When the courts ruled in favor of the Thirty Meter Telescope, construction should have started immediately. Because of inaction by government officials to provide safe access, this did not happen.

The protesters (protectors) were allowed to assemble and block the road to the summit. They are gaining in numbers and support by the day.

We now have two immovable forces, unwilling to budge. The protectors will only evacuate if TMT is not built.

With the Supreme Court’s ruling, TMT developers feel it is just a matter of time before they can start, by force if necessary.

Both sides need to stop thinking of this as “winning” or “losing,” but meeting neutral ground and making concessions.

Allow the protectors to observe and monitor all phases of construction. Have them bring in their priests to bless the TMT site. If any burial sites are uncovered TMT must immediately stop, then continue building only when the areas are properly blessed.

Eventually TMT will be built and the protectors will have assured their followers that Mauna Kea was not desecrated.

Clark Himeda

Waialae-Kahala

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