Of course, Mauna Kea is sacred ground and deserves respect. And the entire Sahara Desert is sacred ground. And the Eiffel Tower is built on sacred ground and every farm in Iowa is sacred ground. And so is the bottom of every sea. Every inch of our planet is sacred and should be treated that way.

We farm on sacred ground and build parks on sacred ground. We also put landfills on sacred ground and build malls on sacred ground.

I’m trying to listen, but why are descendants of some of the best early astronomers not saying, “Please, respect this land and use it wisely for what it is uniquely suited to do. Use it to bring knowledge to all mankind. Please, let us help you build this in a way that most respects the land.

Please create opportunities for the descendants of astronomers to become part of the next generation of astronomers.”

Walt Barnes

Kapaa, Kauai

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