Looking to space, stars and beyond

As an unlimited tonnage ship captain (who uses astronomy on the job) and as a person who has sailed on the voyaging canoe Hokule‘a, I find the arguments against the Thirty Meter Telescope on the basis of damaging the sacred nature of the mountain as confusing, unfounded and perhaps anti-constitutional.

Mauna Kea deserves respect from all

I’ve had the privilege of spending some time at the summit of Mauna Kea and experienced its spectacular beauty. It was majestic and breathtaking (perhaps the altitude had something to do with it). Mauna Kea is truly a very special place and should be respected and protected. Unfortunately, that’s not happening.

The power of pulling together

On behalf of all of us at KIUC, I extend my warmest mahalo to our members who worked with us in such a positive way to address the issues we faced following the fault at the Kapaia Power Station and the temporary loss of our first- and third-largest generators.

History on the use of non-violence by Kanaka activists

Those who study Hawaii’s long history in the struggle for social justice and Native Hawaiian self-determination, are not surprised at the courage, code of conduct, and effective use of non-violent civil disobedience shown by the Native Hawaiian (Kanaka) activists on Mauna Kea against the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT).

Hawaiian culture under attack

This TMT project has united us as a Hawaiian nation in ways that I’ve never seen. This is far greater than just the TMT project; this is about our existence. About our culture for the future generations.

Moving forward on Mauna Kea

This coming Sunday July 28th more than a thousand residents are predicted to gather at Vidinha Stadium at 11:30 a.m., and march down Rice Street “in support of our kia’i standing on the front line for the protection of Mauna Kea”. The march will conclude on the grounds fronting the Historic County Building where there will be music and educational events.

Wondering about opposition to wayfinding

Coming out of the week of the full moon and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, our eyes have been guided skyward, and our minds to the courageous feats of the sky wayfinders.

Last chance to stop Kapaa development

The final environmental impact statement is out for review, and this is your last chance to reel in Kapaa urban sprawl from encroaching on our precious agricultural lands!

Praise due councilwoman instead of reprimand

I was surprised to read Mr. Jason Blake’s reprimand among the letters in TGI (June 20). The letter is the continuation of the Western mainstream media’s overblown and misguided Russophobia in blaming Councilmember Cowden for her participation in a local, history-related, short trip to Russia with a delegation.

‘History of broken promises’

While the legal process has determined that TMT may proceed, there are spiritual and cultural issues that have not been addressed. This is about something much greater than the TMT project — it has to do with longstanding history on Mauna Kea, broken promises, desecration of sacred land and disrespect for native culture.

Do something about Westside water pollution

Every single day of the week, the Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) dumps millions of gallons of water polluted with pesticides and heavy metals into the ocean in areas where Kauai’s Westide residents fish, surf and recreate with their families.

We are on the right track preserving Kauai

Earlier this year there have been several articles in both The Garden Island and Honolulu Star-Advertiser addressed by Susan Kanoho and Lee Cataluna on subjects dealing with “How much is too much (tourism)” and “How do we manage our natural resources so that our visitors (tourists) can have a quality experience they expect in Hawaii.”

Borders and legal immigration vs open borders and illegal migration

A brass placard posted on the inside of the base of the Statue of Liberty portrays a quote from Emma Lazarus’ sonnet, “The New Colossus.” It reads as follows: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door.”

Economic Justice: In defense of the invisible

When bills are introduced to protect dolphins, whales, bees or birds — it is a given that the chamber will be full of testifiers. Likewise, if there is a measure before any legislative body that purports to regulate fishing, or hunting, or dogs or cats — you can be sure it will be standing room only.