Gwen Kim said that she is a 76-year-old kamaaina and kupuna who was among those “accepting that with frail or challenged health, they might not survive a physical frontal attack” while blocking construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. She is prepared to be a martyr for Mauna Kea, and frankly it was this danger that seems to stop law enforcement.

It appears that the protesters made the call to bring in these elderly kupuna: “So when the kahea (call) came, I packed my bag and went,” Kim wrote.

The activists have already made martyrs out of the kupuna who were arrested. And sadly, a much more serious consequence is possible for these frail elderly.

I am a 71-year-old kamaaina who fervently believes in science exploration. Mauna Kea’s unique location can lead to great astronomical discoveries, giving Hawaii worldwide recognition.

Hawaiian grievances should be rightfully addressed elsewhere.

Jim Wolfe

Nuuanu

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