Aunty Pele defends Mauna Kea

In response to Mr. B.:
I am not of Hawaiian ancestry, but am local Japanese of more than a few generations. The opposition to TMT come from people of many different cultures, all well educated, not sitting around lazy as you would imply, and certainly not constantly grumbling about how horrible things are. In fact, I would like you to see how much they love life. They love life and appreciate what they have so much, they are going all out to protect it. We all agree some science is good, but bad science can kill us. Running aging nuclear power plant on fault lines, very bad. A 30-meter lens on a bed of mercury, (mercury spills are common), at the top of Mauna Kea, very bad. We are trying to save Mauna Kea for our future generations, so that they can live good lives, not just surviving and succeeding in the rat race. I'm glad to be living at a time when I can see so many people in Hawaii working to learn, practice, preserve, and grow what we all consider to be the gifts of Hawaiian culture. I would like to urge you to have a discussion with those opposed to TMT, so that you might see what goodhearted people they are.

 Before this goes ANY FURTHER, I need to reiterate, support and further emphasise what Aunty Pele is humbly asking the readers to consider. As Native Hawaiians SPIRITUALITY COMES FIRST. Our ancestors knew all to well, that this realm we live in is temporal and fleeting. That the True existence is outside this corporeal realm and only understood while contemplating our wailua-tapu. What about exploring our self? What about the journey inward, to best understand the nature of existence? Why must they see farther and farther out into space?

 This is the basis for the need to PREVENT THE CONSTRUCTION of the telescope on Mauna Atea. Not White mountain, but rather it's hidden meaning Vast Mountain, as the seat of the Cosmos. This is where many ancient archaeological sites remain which are as valued to the contemporary Tangata Whenua, or 'O'iwi as Stonehenge is to the western world. Would they so blithely build such a monstrosity there? But because we are merely native, they will come in and bully us. Build what ever they like. “Just ‘cause can, no mean should!”

 And then those who claim to be Maoli (which by the way is a made up word) would claim foul? Blame the overall current socio-economic disparity on your own people. How sad, that you are so completely misinformed or well conditioned by the colonizer that you would act so unjustly and lacking in compassion, NO MORE ALOHA. If you believe that this unwelcome project will profit or benefit us in any way, you are sadly mistaken. And yes, while HRM King Kalakaua did embrace technology, he did not break with tradition. He saw that it would best meet his needs and his peoples‘, while under pressure from American interests.

This will only turn out one way, just like the geo-thermal project…
Anyone remember what happen?
OH, yeah Tutu Pele when OPEN WIDE and swallow it up.

We know better as the indigenous people of Hawai‘i Island,
and are endeavouring to save lives and prevent a natural catastrophe
 of epic proportions.


Na ke Akua e malama

Please excuse my for seemingly pinning all opposition into the stereotypical, lazy, Hawaiian. That was not the intent. What Struck a nerve with me was the assertion that it is outside influence destroying the Hawaiian culture and race. That may have been so a century ago but with all of the opportunity we have as a people dangling in front of ourselves to make the best of our lives, the responsibility falls on our shoulders to seize that opportunity. My point was simple. Like I said in the other post: do something about it. Get educated, be vocal, be active and aware in your community...just as the protesting party has done (btw, I have sat in on 4 of the 5 hearings). It's that simple. We Hawaiians need to make the best of what is available to us, to have the greatest potential for success and that of future generations.

Mahalo Tutu for your speaking out for our Mauna Kea. Being a descendant of Pele and Kanaka Maole I want to thank you for the history and Knowledge that you shared. I will continue to help stand and protect our Aina. We all must continue to stand and protect what our Kupuna's have left for us from another take over as they did to our Queen. May we continue to see those evil face's when the cross our path. There are many of them and alot we will have to keep our eyes open to keep ahead of them and not let them take was is rightfully our. Mahalo for your courage, Wisdom and strength that helps us to stand up. Aloha.

Mahalo Aunty Pele for your fire and aloha.