BIVN Update 11/17/15
Crews working on behalf of the Thirty Meter Telescope may attempt to return to the construction site on the northern plateau of the summit of Mauna Kea on Wednesday. Both sides of the contentious issue are mobilizing for what will likely be another standoff between law enforcement working to ensure access for TMT and Aloha ‘Aina advocates opposed to the $1.4 observatory project.
TMT opponents say the kahea has gone out. They are expected to begin to assemble on Muana Kea Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning. Reminders have been sent out across social media networks: No one is promised bail should they be arrested, be prepared for subsequent legal fees and airfare, and make sure your keiki are cared for. The common theme, they say, is maintain kapu aloha.
Governor David Ige issued a media release on Tuesday, calling for safe access to summit. “The maintenance and equipment repair work TMT plans to undertake will protect the environment and enhance public safety as we head into the winter season,” the Governor wrote. “This is not the start of construction of the telescope. If this work is stopped, it is not a victory. It will harm the environment. If there is violence, as some have suggested, that is not a victory. We are one community and we must continue to search for a resolution that will keep this community together.”
