If we are capable of mobilizing thousands of protesters, spend millions of dollars for law enforcement and construction planning, and endure a 10-year permitting process, then why can’t we put the same effort and advocacy toward other meaningful Native Hawaiian issues?

No one disputes the sacredness of Mauna Kea and no one questions the scientific significance of the Thirty Meter Telescope. But are all sides so dug in that we can’t share the mountain?

Will any of this posturing change the plight of the Hawaiian community? At the end of the day, whether TMT gets built or not, the Hawaiian community will still face huge health challenges, mass incarceration, poverty, homelessness, and affordable housing and education issues. Let’s put the same effort and resources into people issues, Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian alike.

My final concern: When did it become OK to allow our kupuna to get arrested? Even if they consent, is it still pono? Are we willing to sacrifice the respected status of kupuna for a cause?

Charlie Panui

Kapahulu

Click here to read more Letters to the Editor.