When you want to see the stars, find someplace dark
Exploring the islands
Well? How else do you explain three simultaneous brush fires spread out along several miles of highway? This happened a few times about six years ago.
This is this afternoon along the Mamalahoa Highway and the new Saddle Road just above Waikoloa. Just got the text message of the road closure.
The Hawaiian islands are quite interesting in many respects. Here no single ethnicity has an outright majority. The history behind this makes for fascinating reading. The sugar industry created a need for agricultural labor that was the driving force resulting in the mass importation of several cultures, primarily Chinese, Japanese and Filipino, and to a lesser extent several others. In addition to the original Hawaiian inhabitants and later Americans immigrants the islands became quite culturally mixed.
While there are many benefits of several coexisting cultures, there are issues as well. Hawaiʻi is in many ways ahead of much of the world. These cultures have, for the most part, learned to coexist in ways that much of the world is still struggling with. This is not to say that everything is perfect. Controversy has a way of revealing issues that otherwise often avoid exposure, and we have seen a bit of controversy as of late. There are existing issues that have long been present, but are avoided as they are neither simple nor easily resolved. It is no surprise that the issues have stemmed from the clash of cultures that have landed on these islands across the centuries.
It is the first arrivals here, the Hawaiians, that often see themselves as having lost the most with the arrival of so many immigrants from various other nations. The issues surrounding Mauna Kea have given Hawaiian activists a new rallying point and increased visibility that they have taken full advantage of to express their cause.
There is a pretty good article published on the Civil Beat website earlier this week. In it author Peter Apo questions many of the basic claims made by those protesting the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope. The identity of the author is of particular relevance as Mr. Apo is Hawaiian and has served the state and community in various offices. He is currently a trustee for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, very much at the center of the controversy. I highly suggest reading the article.
It is in the comment section that the true divide in the community becomes apparent. What is disturbing to see are the truly nasty accusations flung at Mr. Apo in the comments. For questioning some of the anti-TMT movement’s basic claims, for asking valid questions, the abuse he receives is unrelenting.
Peter Apo is a sell out! How dare he question the “Traditions” of his own Kupuna? – Herbert Faima
Fuckin fake Hawaiian! – Ricky Keona Kauanui
Peter Apo the quintessential sellout and all around parasite. – Kama Ki
Fortunately there are as many positive comments, thanking Mr. Apo for publishing the article. Many of those commenting clearly understand that it took a good deal of courage to write the article, undoubtedly knowing what would occur. Seen in these comments is the split revealed in polling data, that even among the Hawaiian community opposition for the telescope is not a complete majority.
Good article, arigato Peter. We, the silent majority, decided to keep quiet as the protesters were getting violent and out of hand. Threats were made to individuals, families and businesses. Many business owners kept quiet so that no one would get hurt. – Russell Arikawa
I have to hand it to you, you’ve got the nads to speak what you feel is the truth. For that, you are to be commended. We should never be afraid of a discussion. I see that this discussion is quite healthy. Mahalo for helping light the fire of dialogue. – Tim Orden
I agree with the necessity to question dogma. In a controversy like this the facts become somewhat malleable. Often exaggeration or complete misinformation slips into the conversation, to be repeated so often that it becomes truth to those inclined to believe. In this I too must congratulate Mr. Apo in looking back to the old records to see what may have been added to the conversation, to get a little closer to the truth.