In Hawaii on the Big Island there stands a mountain named Mauna Kea. There takes place a peaceful protest, to stop the construction of a 30 meter telescope. This isn’t the first time a protest has taken place on the Mauna.

For years the government have been trying to construct on the mountain for many reasons. But there are things they considered when agree to build the telescope on the Mauna. However there are also things they haven’t considered before agreeing to TMT. The biggest thing they forgot to consider it the Mauna Kea is sacred land. The government wants to build the telescope on the Mauna for scientific data and research. Which is understandable for where the earth is heading towards in the future. The mountain holds history that should have been taken into consideration, which is why the protest has taken place.

“Abide by the rules that’s set forth instead of making rules and laws for everyone else to follow, but when a private corporation wants to desecrate our sacred Mauna they somehow act like the rules don’t apply to them” said Keoni Payton

The governor of Hawaii (Governor Igee) agreed to the construction of the TMT which created problems for his position. The people made a petition to remove or impeach him from his position as governor. He (Governor Igee) visited the protest on the Mauna, he wasn’t mistreated but he was welcomed with open arms and hearts. The Native Hawaiians have stated that they don’t want to be known as “protestors” but as “protectors” here’s why.

“We are called protectors because that is what we are doing. The word protest rings with unorganized chaos and vicious behaviors; however the kapu aloha is what makes us protectors instead or protestors. We are taking a positive approach to care for our demeanor, mana and lahui as we resist TMT. We stand because no one is protecting us and the ‘aina. In retrospect whatever we do onto the ‘aina , we do onto ourselves, so we protect our ‘aina, so that we are protected in turns” said Adam Nahulu

Many other states have shown support to these protectors of the Mauna because they understand the importance of sacred land, states such as New Zealand, Dubai, and many more. Every state was giving thanks to by the people on the Mauna for their support on protecting sacred land.

“What’s your Mauna kea? If you don’t know go find it and protect it. Let’s start restoring indigenous governments and recognize indigenous people. It’s the only way to save the future” said Daniel Manaai