Telescope project still faces fight from Hawaiian opponents
HONOLULU — One of Hawaii’s most divisive issues is centred on a largely barren, wintry mountain — its peak the highest point in the state — accessible via vehicles with four-wheel drive that can navigate a steep gravel road with sharp switchbacks. Breathing can be difficult up there at an elevation of nearly 14,000 feet (4,267 metres).
The $1.4 billion Thirty Meter Telescope project on Thursday won key state approval to join other telescopes atop the dormant volcano, but passionate protesters vowed to continue fighting construction on land that’s sacred to Native Hawaiians.
Their willingness to endure frigid nights camped on the mountain and to be arrested proved successful in blocking construction in the past.
“For the Hawaiian people, I have a message: This is our time to rise as a people,” said Kahookahi Kanuha, a protest leader. “This is our time to take back all of the things that we know are ours. All the things that were illegally taken from us.”