Happening Now on Maui… HawaiiNews Now 7-30-15 11:49 PM… “Protestors block work on Daniel K Inouye telescope on Haleakala”

I just started seeing postings on FB about this.

The sparks from Mauna a Wākea, have leaped to Haleakalā. This will continue, guaranteed, all around the islands, until all sacred locations (actually, that means everywhere on the islands, and the planet) are honored and protected.

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Protestors block work on Daniel K Inouye telescope on Haleakala

[View video here.]

A protest on Maui aims at blocking construction trucks from reaching Haleakala. That’s where a new solar telescope is being built and protesters’ concerns are similar to those on Mauna Kea.

For the second time in as many months, a convoy of large equipment is scheduled to head to the summit of Haleakala for the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope. Also, once again, opponents of the telescope have gathered there tonight in an attempt to keep that convoy from leaving the Central Maui baseyard.

Dozens of protesters gathered again at the baseyard entrance. But unlike the last time, when project managers called off the convoy – there were trucks parked at a second gate.

Kahele Dukelow of Kakoo Haleakala explained, “Well, they’re more prepared this time around, it seems. And from what people have said, talking to some of their representatives tonight is that they’re not going to back down tonight.”

Opponents immediately moved to the new gate, with the aim of blocking the convoy by using the crosswalks in the driveway.

Trinette Furtado, also of Kakoo Haleakala elaborated, “Our tactic this evening is really to choke this crosswalk first, and if we cannot stop them here, there are other crosswalks along the route that also can be walked.”

The protesters are concerned that construction on the $300 million telescope atop Haleakala has continued – despite a challenge before the Hawaii Supreme Court.

They’ve also been spurred by the protests against the Thirty Meter Telescope atop Mauna Kea. But unlike the TMT – the Maui telescope is already half finished. Opponents say they’re willing to be arrested in their attempt to stop the convoy. But they’re being cautious – because of the uncertainty of what will happen if the trucks roll.

Camille Kalama of the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation said, “It’s very important to be safe in this time, especially gvien the conditions here, and because we don’t know what to expect”.

Trinette Furtado added, “I’m worried about their safety. And I of course don’t want anybody to get arrested , and I don’t want any further, like, you know, larger actions. …but they are prepared to stand in Aloha Aina, and to stand for Haleakala”.