Noe Noe Wong-Wilson - Mauna Kea UH Regents Hearing (Nov. 6, 2019)

Summary

Oi Wong Wilson and Dr. Lani Kanako La, representing a community, oppose a resolution and proposed rules for Mauna Kea. They criticize the plan for a 15th telescope facility and the location of an educational facility at Hawley Pohaku. They suggest a 90-day delay for rulemaking to allow discussions among stakeholders, including Native Hawaiians, to determine the mountain's future management. They emphasize the need for a fair process and community involvement.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ The speaker, Oi Wong Wilson, is representing himself and Dr. Lani Kanako, who is absent.
• ⏲️ Oi Wong Wilson requests the suspension of the three-minute rule for speakers, citing previous speakers' extended time.
• 👥 He points out an apparent unfairness in the order of speakers, suggesting astronomers might have been prioritized.
• 🚫 Both Oi Wong Wilson and Dr. Kona Haleh oppose the proposed rules and resolution.
• 🔭 Item 3 of the resolution is criticized for planning a new telescope facility despite previous promises not to build more.
• 🏫 Item 6 is questioned for proposing an educational facility at an inappropriate, high-elevation location without community consultation.
• 🏞️ Items 9 and 10 suggest a reorganization of Mauna Kea's management, which the speakers agree is needed but should not be led by the University of Hawaii.
• 📅 A 90-day deferral is requested for decision-making on the rules due to upcoming discussions on Mauna Kea's management structure.
• 🤝 The community and various stakeholders should engage in dialogue to determine the management structure, excluding the University's leadership.
• 📚 The community is asked to review extensive material (1687 pages), which is deemed unreasonable and should be replaced with listening to community feedback.
• 🔄 At a critical junction, there's a call for major changes in management and increased Native Hawaiian involvement in sacred spaces.

Q & A

Who is speaking in the transcript?

Oi Wong Wilson is speaking on behalf of herself and Dr. Lani Poore Kanako La Coneja Lei.

What is the main issue being discussed in the transcript?

The main issue being discussed is opposition to the proposed rules and resolution regarding the management and future development of Mauna Kea.

What is the specific objection to item number 3 in the resolution?

Item number 3 directs the construction of a new telescope facility at Hale Pohaku for the Hoku Ke'a telescope, which contradicts previous promises that no more telescopes would be built on Mauna Kea.

Why is the location of the educational facility at Hale Pohaku considered inappropriate?

The location is considered inappropriate due to its high elevation at 9,000 feet, which is dangerous and inaccessible for children, elders, and individuals with breathing issues, and it would increase traffic on the Mauna Kea access road.

What is the concern regarding items number 9 and 10 in the resolution?

Items number 9 and 10 refer to a restructuring and reorganization of the management of the Mauna Kea science reserve. The concern is that the University of Hawaii, given its poor management history, should not lead this effort.

What is the recommended action regarding the new draft of the proposed rules?

The recommended action is to defer decision-making on the rules for a period of 90 days or more to allow for discussion among stakeholders and to determine the management structure of Mauna Kea.

Who should not lead or direct the group process according to the speaker?

The University of Hawaii, particularly the office of Mauna Kea management, should not lead or direct the group process.

What is the concern about the community's ability to review the proposed rules?

The concern is that it is unconscionable to expect the community to review 1687 pages of material to provide competent feedback within a short period.

What is the significance of the management structure change proposed for Mauna Kea?

The management structure change is significant because it involves the future of sacred spaces and the involvement of Native Hawaiians in determining the future of Mauna Kea.

What does the speaker suggest should be suspended until the new management structures are determined?

The speaker suggests that the final step in rulemaking should be suspended until the new management structures are determined.

What is the context of the applause and music at the end of the transcript?

The applause and music likely indicate the end of the speaker's testimony and the transition to the next speaker or a break in the proceedings.