I have lived in Kona on and off for 20 years. I have been saddened and angered many times by the disrespect of the land and residents of Hawaii when the profits of a few developers are placed ahead of the concerns of the 200,000 people who live here. Selfishness is not a good quality. It is the reason, however, for the “gated luxury communities” that are sprouting up around us.

I wish that the Hollywood celebrities trying to stop the Thirty Meter Telescope would help us stop overdevelopment, but many of them are probably living in these communities that are designed to keep us out.

I also am frustrated by the protesters of the TMT project. I understand that there are monetary and environmental concerns that can and must be addressed. The telescope will, however, provide benefits for every human on our planet, so I hope that protesters and lawmakers consider those benefits when they think about this project. Should my needs come above those of the other 7 billion inhabitants of Earth?

Brian Haney

Kailua-Kona

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