John,

I was born and raised on the slopes of Mauna Kea, a deeply sacred site for
Kanaka ‘Ōiwi, (Native Hawai‘ians), and the tallest mountain in the world.
Over the years, I have watched in sadness as streams dry up, forests
retreat, and communities fracture due to histories of  colonization,
deforestation, and now, the current climate crisis. 

This month Hawai‘i’s Governor, David Ige, announced the construction of
the massive, billion-dollar, Thirty Meter Telescope project (TMT). In
response, thousands of Kanaka ‘Ōiwi and supporters have mobilized to
protect the mountain. This project would harm lands sacred to the Kanaka
‘Ōiwi people, and according to our ways of knowing, threaten the main
freshwater aquifer on Hawaii Island.

[ [link removed] ]Submit a public comment now and tell Hawai‘i’s Governor David Ige that
you strongly oppose the construction of the TMT on Mauna Kea. Be sure to
indicate on the form that you “Oppose” the TMT Project.

If built, the TMT would extend 18 stories and be accompanied by a 21,000
square-foot building. This would not only be destructive to Mauna Kea as a
sacred site, but also to the natural, conserved land in this area. As the
climate crisis  threatens to divide our communities, it’s up to all of us
to stand in solidarity with kia’i (land protectors) and save natural
spaces for Indigenous ways of life. 

The just and sustainable future we are building must be one in which
Indigenous rights and land are honored and protected. From Standing Rock
to Mauna Kea, Indigenous peoples refuse to have our lands be unlawfully
taken and destroyed.The world is watching - we urgently ask that
supporters, even if you don’t live in Hawai‘i, show up for those of us
fighting and being arrested on the frontlines by sending a clear message
to Governor Ige: 

[ [link removed] ]Stand with Kanaka ‘Ōiwi land defenders and halt the development of the
Thirty Meter Telescope Project. Be sure to indicate on the form that you
“Oppose” the TMT Project.

We know that Mauna Kea is one of many fights that Indigenous leaders have
taken on to protect the planet and our communities. May this moment at
Mauna Kea be a reminder to everyone that Indigenous sovereignty must be
honored and that our elected officials need to be held accountable for
trampling on our rights.

Aloha aina,

Phaethon

[ [link removed] ]P.S. - Read our recent blog about the situation in Mauna Kea and find
more ways to get involved in the fight.


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