Over time I have seen how effective the elderly kupuna were initially used as a protective shield against law enforcement on Mauna Kea. And eventually this resistance morphed into a focal point for all past grievances.

I think this may well develop into a major polarizing issue for the 2020 election if the Thirty Meter Telescope scientific community can last that long.

Polls show a strong silent majority of voting citizens thinks blocking TMT is illegal and this is civil unrest. The National Guard could have been activated to create auxiliary roads around the illegally blocked intersection. However, “Commander-in-Chief Ige” has clearly demonstrated the Ostrich Defense (it flops to the ground and remains still).

This group may win the battle by blocking the telescope. However, there may be unforeseen consequences, which include losing the 50%-70% support of citizens who support TMT. Their confrontation may prove detrimental in far more consequential conflicts.

Jim Wolfe

Nuuanu

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