Hawaii’s business community support TMT because of the many benefits it will bring to Hawaii Island, the state and its people, including the creation of high-tech jobs, economic impact, furthering international business relationships, and continued stewardship of Maunakea.
Editorials
In this week’s midweek, Bob Jones opens his editorial with: “It’s the age of organized citizen protest, and it behooves government policy makers to formulate and
James Mauliola Keaka Stone Jr., gave his testimony in support of astronomy on Maunakea and TMT. “For most of my life, and I am 63 years
“As telescopes grow larger and astronomers peer deeper into space, the question continues to loom — are the discoveries of the future worth the battles
Well-intentioned people on either side of the Thirty Meter Telescope debate — naturally, one hopes that this would be most people — surely agree on
Letters to the Editor
During Feb. 17 news broadcast by Hawaii News Now, you will hear Noe Noe Wong-Wilson say, “We alone are responsible of what happens up there
I agree with your Thirty Meter Telescope editorial: Building another telescope to explore the universe is not incompatible with believing that the mountain is sacred
The construction delay of the Thirty Meter Telescope continues because protesters want us to believe Mauna Kea is sacred and that they have a cultural
I was disappointed, but not surprised to read that Mayor Harry Kim had asked for another two-month moratorium on the Thirty Meter Telescope. He cannot be
Sharables
Many Hawaiian leaders and groups have come forward to show their support for the Thirty Meter Telescope. These include:
PUEO (Perpetuating Unique Educational Opportunities) – this group is based on Hawaii Island and believes that Hawaiian culture, science and technology can work together to build a future for Native Hawaiians and all Hawaii residents.
Chad Kalepa Baybayan, captain and navigator of the Hawaiian voyaging canoes Hokulea, Hawaiiloa and Hokualakai – testified earlier this month at the contested case hearings in support of the TMT project. Baybayan said the Thirty Meter Telescope and the astronomers of today are a natural extension of the ancient Hawaiians who studied the stars while navigating across the Pacific Ocean.
In addition, a scientific poll conducted earlier this year on Hawaii Island found that support for TMT’s construction is split among Hawaiians/part Hawaiians on Hawaii Island, with 46 percent of those polled in support of the project and 45 percent opposed. Eighty-nine percent of all residents also agreed there should be a way for science and Hawaiian culture to co-exist on Maunakea.
A scientific poll taken this summer showed an overwhelming majority of Hawaii Island residents believe that astronomy observatories/facilities and Hawaiian cultural practices can take place concurrently on Maunakea.
Throughout the planning process for the Thirty Meter Telescope, TMT officials have made a concerted effort to ensure that TMT’s operations are respectful to traditional cultural practices in the area. This includes:
Meeting with Native Hawaiians to gather their feedback on the planned telescope’s design and location to minimize potential impacts.
Locating the planned telescope a reasonable distance away from traditional cultural practice areas on the mountain, with the facility being at least one mile away from the nearest religious site.
Scheduling TMT observatory operations to minimize daytime activities up to four days annually in observance of Native Hawaiian cultural practices. TMT will work with the Office of Mauna Kea Management and Kahu Ku Mauna to determine days for such observances.
Dwayne Mukai speaks about his experiences growing up on Hawaii Island
Jacqui from Hawaii Island Chamber of commerce talks about her support of TMT
Kristin Kahaloa speaks about Maunakea
Peter Apo speaks about how Hawaiians at the forefront of many disciplines
Peter Apo speaks about how Hawaiians at the forefront of many disciplines
Alexis Acohio and Kristin Kahaloa speak about pursuing passions and dreams in Hawaii.
Mahalo Event 2017
Scott chats with Mailani Neal at the TMT Mahalo event about what motivated her into getting into astronomy.
Scott speaks to Dwayne Mukai at the TMT Mahalo event about the history of astronomy industry on Hawaii Island.
Serena O’Neill, math teacher from Keaau High School talks with Scott at the TMT Mahalo Event, about how the THINK fund helps in her classroom and how STEM helps students prepare for the job market of the future.
Scott speaks to Jacqui Hoover, Executive Director of the Hawaii Island Economic Development Board at the TMT Mahalo event a few weeks ago.
