The University of Hawaii and the “protectors” need to talk. Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim so far has not used his elected office to instigate a meeting with the opposing parties. He said he has no authority, but talking to the “protectors” and the governing board of the university does not require any kind of special authority. Concessions or compromises are needed.

The board should allow one of the protectors and a Native Hawaiian faculty member who is sympathetic to their cause a permanent seat on the governing board so that they can oversee the spiritual usage of Mauna Kea. The TMT can then be allowed to proceed with their approval and under their watch.

Kim has the authority to enforce the rules governing overnight camping and after-hours parking. He does not need to arrest anyone but each and every person should be given a ticket for this blatant breaking of the law. Fines should help in a small way cover the cost of the counties providing of security and safety of these “protectors.”

These protests cannot continue indefinitely.

Thomas Chang

Ewa Beach

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