The Thirty Meter Telescope protest seems to be an issue that resists resolution. The protesters appear to be unsatisfied until the project is deemed dead. The proponents of the project have met all government regulatory steps and approvals and yet cannot start work because of the physical barriers set up by the protesters. This is an unfair condition.

Is there a solution for this impasse in which the TMT project can proceed and the protesters can have access to Mauna Kea to practice their religious rituals? Is there an opportunity for sharing Mauna Kea for the benefit of both parties to this issue? Are there leaders who can help formulate and execute a fair and sensible settlement agreement?

If the answer is no, then the people of Hawaii are doomed to be embroiled in a legacy of protest and unhappiness. If we do not have fair-minded people who can embrace fair-minded solutions for coexistence, the people of Hawaii will by default have embraced a tumultuous existence for all.

John Tamashiro

Pearl City

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