Last Saturday, as a white man, I went to Maunakea City, site of the Thirty Meter Telescope standoff. A small private company donated a bus and gas to transport folks to Pu‘u Huluhulu. Our driver donated his time. The bus was free. Upon arrival I was greeted by a cordial man. The information tent informed me where I could find the portable toilets, kupuna tent and food tent. I was amazed to witness such overt graciousness.

Small ziggurats of bottled of water were plentiful. A recycling, trash and composting area was environmentally sensitive. Hand-cleaning stations, first aid tents and “drug stores” were obvious. Sun and lip protection, even probiotic capsules, were freely offered. Any article of clothing, any bedding was freely offered.

From the kupuna tent I watched the Kamehameha Schools choir perform. The gathering was not so much about “don’t build it” as it was about cooperation, kindness, generosity and respect and love for the land and each other. Isn’t that how we all want to live?

Gary Harrold

Hilo

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