“We Are Not Anti-Science”: Why Indigenous Protectors Oppose the Thirty Meter Telescope at Mauna Kea

Summary

The discussion focuses on the indigenous resistance at Mauna Kea in Hawaii against the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT), which protesters argue threatens sacred land without their consent. Activists, including Puah, highlight the spiritual significance of Mauna Kea and the environmental impact of such large-scale construction. They emphasize the importance of protecting indigenous rights and the environment, advocating for a respectful dialogue with scientific communities. The conversation also touches on solidarity actions and political responses, showcasing a broader movement for justice and preservation of sacred sites.

Takeaways

• 🌄 Indigenous activists are protesting the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) on Mauna Kea, a sacred site in Hawaii.
• 🛑 The TMT project has faced significant opposition due to claims that it was approved without indigenous consent and would desecrate sacred lands.
• 👮 Police have arrested numerous protesters, including many Hawaiian elders, in attempts to block construction.
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Puah Case, an indigenous organizer, emphasizes the importance of protecting Mauna Kea for future generations.
• 💰 The TMT project involves substantial funding, including $200 million from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, raising concerns about the prioritization of scientific advancement over indigenous rights.
• 🌍 The conflict highlights a broader struggle between indigenous rights and scientific exploration, challenging the notion that these interests are mutually exclusive.
• 📜 A petition signed by over 750 astronomers and astrophysicists calls for the Astronomy community to recognize the historical context of the conflict and to support the protectors on Mauna Kea.
• 🗣️ Tulsi Gabbard, a Democratic presidential candidate, expressed support for the protesters, highlighting the need for trust and respect towards indigenous people and their sacred lands.
• 💡 Puah Case asserts that Native Hawaiians are not against science, but oppose developments that threaten their sacred sites and natural resources.
• 🤝 The movement has garnered global support, with actions of solidarity from various indigenous groups and allies, emphasizing a unified stance against perceived injustices.

Q & A

What is the main issue being protested at Mauna Kea?

The protest centers around the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT), which indigenous groups argue was approved without their consent and will desecrate sacred lands.

What reasons do indigenous protestors give for opposing the TMT?

Protestors claim that the TMT will alter the environment of Mauna Kea, affecting climate, water sources, and the integrity of the sacred mountain itself.

How has the protest evolved over time?

The protest has gained momentum over ten years, with significant demonstrations and the involvement of many supporters, including Hawaiian elders who have been arrested for blocking access to the construction site.

What is 'Kapua Aloha' and why is it significant to the protestors?

Kapua Aloha refers to a principle of sacred conduct that guides the behavior of protestors. It emphasizes respect and prayerful action rather than anger, shaping how participants engage in the protest.

What role does Tulsi Gabbard play in the conversation surrounding the TMT?

Tulsi Gabbard, a Hawaiian Congress member and presidential candidate, has publicly supported the protestors, criticizing the development and calling for the restoration of trust with Native Hawaiians.

What is the broader significance of the protest for indigenous peoples?

The protest at Mauna Kea symbolizes a fight for the rights of indigenous peoples globally, highlighting the importance of protecting sacred sites and natural resources from corporate exploitation.

How do protestors view the relationship between science and indigenous rights?

Protestors emphasize that they are not against science itself, but oppose projects that threaten their sacred lands and natural resources, advocating for a balance between scientific inquiry and respect for indigenous rights.

What kind of support have the protestors received from the scientific community?

An open letter signed by over 750 astronomers and astrophysicists has called for the recognition of the historical context of the conflict and denounced the criminalization of the protectors at Mauna Kea.

What actions are being taken by the local government regarding the construction of the TMT?

The Hawaii County Council is considering a resolution to urge the governor and mayor to impose a 60-day moratorium on construction, reflecting local support for the protestors' actions.

What is the significance of the petition mentioned in the transcript?

A worldwide petition was launched to demonstrate widespread support for the protestors, successfully surpassing its initial goal of 100,000 signatures, highlighting the global solidarity with the Mauna Kea movement.