“Does everyone in Hawaii have equal standing when it comes to this particular issue?” Lee Cataluna asked in a recent column (“Opinions on TMT issue don’t carry equal weight,” Star-Advertiser, Aug. 21).

I would say, absolutely. All of the islands together, comprise a state called Hawaii. Even though it’s located on the most remote archipelago in the world, it’s the 50th state in the United States of America, and the laws of the land are applicable.

The process of getting this project approved has lasted 10 years. It finally went to the Hawaii Supreme Court, and won.

Cataluna should realize that we live in a republic, and we follow a Constitution that gives everyone equal rights. Construction of a world-class telescope is an honor that benefits Hawaii and the entire world. There are millions of people who would gladly exchange places with the small minority of disgruntled Hawaiians who live in the past and want their kingdom back.

Jacqueline Utkin

Waikiki

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