Meeting looks at Big Isle
telescope concerns
Several Hawaiian and environmental groups are sponsoring an informational meeting Tuesday about concerns they have with NASA and University of Hawaii plans to build additional telescopes on the summit of Mauna Kea.
Organizers of "Protecting Mauna Kea: The Sacred Mountain" said they hold the summit of Mauna Kea to be a sacred place: the realm of Akua, the Creator; home to na akua (divine deities), Na 'Aumakua (divine ancestors); and the meeting place of Papa (Earth Mother) and Wakea (Sky Father), progenitors of Na Kanaka Maoli (the Hawaiian people).
After being sued by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs over development concerns, NASA has agreed to develop an environmental impact statement to assess potential impacts to the mountain's environment, to native Hawaiian culture and to determine the social and economic impacts to Hawaii residents.
Speakers include Kealoha Pisciotta, president of Mauna Kea 'Anaina Hou and a participant in a Mauna Kea contested-case hearing; and Cha Smith, KAHEA executive director.
The meeting will be 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the University of Hawaii's Center for Hawaiian Studies, Room 201.
Sponsors are KAHEA (the Hawaiian-Environmental Alliance), Mauna Kea 'Anaina Hou, 'Ilio'ulaokalani Coalition and the Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies.
For more information, contact KAHEA at 524-8220 or kahea-alliance@hawaii.rr.com.