KHON2 News 4-30-15… “OHA trustees rescind support for Thirty Meter Telescope”

Although this “rescind support” decision basically says, “OHA is neutral” on the TMT (not opposed, however; but in contrast to it’s earlier stance, “in favor of”), I feel it is a very important, for three reasons: 1) It is a step forward from where things used to be (“OHA supports TMT”), 2) it showed the power of unified opposition to continued desecration of sacred lands in Hawai’i, and 3) it exposed OHA for what it is, an arm of “The State of Hawai’i” (a corporation, remember) which does NOT necessarily have the interests of ALL people of Hawai’i at heart (in particular, those with Native Hawaiian ancestry).

OHA’s push for “nation within nation” last year… failed. OHA’s decision to support TMT… rejected. This, in my mind, is a step forward.

[Note: “OHA” = Office of Hawaiian Affairs.]

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OHA trustees rescind support for Thirty Meter Telescope

[youtube=https://youtu.be/FgvYhW_fv2w&w=450]
https://youtu.be/FgvYhW_fv2w

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees has voted to rescind a resolution supporting the Thirty Meter Telescope.

The vote of six ayes and one abstention came after hours of testimony from both supporters and opponents of the $1.4 billion project slated to be built on Mauna Kea.

In 2009, the trustees passed a resolution in support of the telescope. Discussion Thursday addressed whether to oppose or stand by that previous action, or rescind the resolution, which symbolizes a neutral stance on the project.

Present for the vote were Colette Machado, Peter Apo, Carmen Hulu Lindsey, Lei Ahu Isa, Haunani Apoliona, Rowena Akana and Dan Ahuna, who presided over the meeting in place of chairman Robert Lindsey, who was absent, along with John Waihee IV.

They voted after trustee Carmen Lindsey read a statement from Princess Abigail Kawananakoa, who opposes the telescope.

“By rescinding the motion, it allows us the opportunity to come forward and engage,” said Apo. “This is not just about the telescope. OHA’s concerns are about the entire management of the mountain.”

In a statement, Dr. Henry Yang, chair of the TMT International Observatory Board, said he is disappointed by OHA’s change in position, “however, we are by no means discouraged. We must now redouble our commitment to respectfully continuing dialogue and engagement with OHA and all other stakeholders.”

Construction of the telescope has been suspended while project developers and state officials consider how, or whether, to proceed.

Shortly after construction started in March, 31 self-proclaimed “protectors” of what they say is a mountain sacred to Native Hawaiians were arrested.

Thursday’s meeting was a special one called by the board to discuss its position and more than 60 people signed up to testify.

The trustees had originally filed an agenda with the Lt. Governor’s office scheduling the meeting for May 7, however after discussion, chair Robert Lindsey Jr. agreed to move up the date.

The University of Hawaii manages the activity atop the mountain, which is the site of 13 telescopes. The school leases land on Mauna Kea from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.