Bulldozers Stopped! For Now.
Mauna A Wakea
On February 25, 2011, the Hawai`i Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) voted to “conditionally approve” the construction permit for the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. This means no bulldozers, until the appeal (also known as a “contested case”) filed by the Mauna Kea hui is completed.
Thirty-eight people testified during the hearing in Honolulu (which should have been held in Hilo!). Of the people who testified in Honolulu, nearly half were opposed to the project. This is impressive, given the fact that the TMT-advocates spared no expense to fly their people into Honolulu. When hearings were held on Big Island, the majority testified in opposition. Within five days of this permit being announced on the BLNR’s agenda, nearly 300 people submitted written testimony in opposition.
What we were MOST inspired by, was the awesome testimony in defense of the mountain!
Testimony from Kealoha Pisciotta of Mauna Kea Anaina Hou
“The search for new knowledge should never ever be at the expense of people, culture, and the planet. True knowledge never hurts and destroys. True knowledge empowers, protects and sustains.” - Rebecca Light
"I've been testifying for the protection of Mauna Kea since I was 8 years old. I really want to know when this madness will end...” - Noa Helela
"As a scientist, I believe that arrogance occludes truth, and that any scientist in pursuit of truth should have the humility to continuously question the basic assumptions of their field." - Katherine Burke
Mahalo to all who submitted testimony, and to Laulani and Li’a for helping with video, pictures, and snacks!
What does this appeal process look like? A contested case hearing is a quasi-judicial process to present evidence and facts to inform the BLNR’s decision (learn more about contested case hearings here: http://kahea.org/blog/what-is-a-contested-case-hearing). Advocates for the summit contend among other things that the TMT does not comply with the laws that protect conservation districts, the rights of cultural practitioners are not protected, and the management plan for the summit is inadequate.
We expect this to be a pretty long haul.
The truth is, despite having the highest paid lawyers in Hawai`i, the University of Hawaii and its development partners have NEVER ultimately won in court (our challenge to the Comprehensive Management Plan is on appeal to Intermediate Court of Appeals). I mua!
How you can help:
- Kokua with legal fees - The cultural practitioners and environmental advocates who have filed an appeal of this permit are working to put together our case. We need kokua from others to help cover legal fees. Please consider making a donation today!
- It’s never too late! At any time, the BLNR can reconsider its decision to allow the TMT. Support them in upholding the law. Sign the petition in opposition today, and spread the word!
- Host a Movie Night - Mauna Kea: Temple Under Siege is a powerful film from Na Maka O Ka Aina that details the history of the community-based effort to protect the sacred summit. Contact Shelley (shelley@kahea.org) to borrow the film and a host an educational movie night in your circle.
- Learn more
http://thehawaiiindependent.com/story/tmt-discussion
