Letter: Mauna Kea movement too strong for TMT

I was initially in favor of the Thirty Meter Telescope being built on Mauna Kea. However, I now feel the power and momentum of the movement to prevent its construction will make it very difficult.

The cause has become a linchpin and galvanized the Native Hawaiian community. It would be a very messy situation if efforts were made to continue this project.

I am thinking that the majority who now support Ku Kia‘i Mauna probably gave little thought to the mountain until recently. The impetus to protect the mountain from the large telescope represents every past hurt and injustice suffered by Native Hawaiians. Some argue that there needs to be a compromise and that the project would be a boon to our economy. But isn’t that the same thing we are told every time a new development or hotel is built?

It seems kind of paternalistic for people to assume they know what’s best for another group of people. TMT should not waste anymore on television advertisements. They should read the ti leaves and the climate and find another spot from which to examine the stars.

Don Booth

Wailuku

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