Protests Against Construction Of TMT On Mauna Kea
Start writing a post
News

The Construction Of The Telescope On Mauna Kea Will Destroy Sacred Land

While the TMT will aid in new astronomical observations and discoveries, its construction shouldn't happen at the cost of an indigenous people's sacred grounds.

158
The Construction Of The Telescope On Mauna Kea Will Destroy Sacred Land

Native Hawaiians have been protesting the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope, or TMT. Protesters are opposed to the intended location of the TMT on Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano in Hawai'i, with famous figures such as Dwayne Johnson and Jason Momoa showing support and joining the protests.

Plans to build the TMT on Mauna Kea were first made almost ten years ago, with the permit to build the telescope being repealed at first. However, another permit was issued in the fall of 2018. Construction was scheduled to begin during the week of July 15, 2019, sparking renewed protests of the location of the TMT.

Mauna Kea is particularly desirable as a location for the TMT due to its height, the climate, and the lack of light pollution in the area. However, the volcano is also sacred ground to Native Hawaiians. It is believed to be the site of the origin of the Hawaiian people and is also the burial site of many of their ancestors. The construction of the TMT would place an 18-story building on Mauna Kea. Furthermore, some of the structure will be underground, digging into and desecrating sacred land.

While the TMT will aid in new astronomical observations and discoveries, its construction shouldn't happen at the cost of an indigenous people's sacred grounds. Mauna Kea may be an ideal location, but there are also backup locations for the TMT, such as the Canary Islands. Protesters have emphasized that Native Hawaiians are not anti-science. They are not opposed to the actual purpose of the TMT but feel that there was no clear consent given from natives to build the telescope on Mauna Kea. Additionally, the construction of the TMT stirs up a history of colonialism in Hawai'i and among indigenous peoples as a whole, as these protests mirror the protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline in 2016. Native Hawaiians feel that the rights of indigenous peoples have been repeatedly ignored, with the TMT only being the latest example.

There are many ways to aid in the fight against the TMT construction on Mauna Kea. The most accessible methods are contacting key figures such as Governor David Ige. For college students, check if your school is a part of the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), which is backing the TMT, and contact your school to oppose the construction of the TMT.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

40111
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

24697
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

950498
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

130952
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments