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.

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: 

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

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

---

350.org is building a global climate movement. You can connect with us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and text 350 to 83224 to get important mobile action alerts.  Become a sustaining donor to keep this movement strong and growing. Looking for other ways to get involved? Check out our map to see if there's a local 350 group or event near you.