Defend Mauna Kea's Last Pristine Plateau

Mauna Kea is a sacred mountain and a unique desert alpine habitat for endangered Hawaiian plants and animals. Mauna Kea is protected by law as a conservation district and a Natural Area Reserve. These are public trust lands--Hawaiian lands--held by the state in trust for the people of Hawaii.

Yet, today Mauna Kea’s public lands are being exploited by foreign nations, corporations, and the University of Hawaii, who are all seeking to profit from telescope construction on the summit at the expense of its unique natural habitat, pure drinking water, and sacred cultural resources. Dozens of telescope and support structures already cover the sacred summit--built without the consent of Native Hawaiians and local communities. Now, two more telescopes (and accompanying roads, parking lots, office buildings, and gift shops) are proposed for the sacred summit. One of them -- the Thirty Meter Telescope -- is slated for construction on the summit's last pristine ridge. It is larger than all the current telescopes on the summit combined.

A Better Future is Possible
We know a better future is possible for Mauna Kea. For over 10 years, community members have advocated for a true conservation plan, independent oversight, fair representation and fair compensation.

Subject:

Your Letter:

I stand with the people of Hawaii Island in opposition to the construction the Thirty Meter Telescope on the sacred summit of Mauna Kea.

Mauna Kea's Natural and Cultural Resources Protected

The summit of Mauna Kea is protected as a state conservation district, National Landmark, and National Historic District because it is a unique environment and extremely sacred place.  It is home to many unique and endangered species like the U`au (dark rump petrel), Palila, Wekiu, and Ahinahina; the headwaters of the primary aquifer on Hawaii Island; the pinnacle of traditional Hawaiian astronomy; the connection between Papa and Wakea; and the dwelling of Poliahu and many sacred deities.  These natural resources are part of the public trust recognized in Hawaii's Admission Act, the Hawai'i State Constitution, and in the judicially recognized public trust duties and responsibilities of the State. Telescope construction, however valuable it may be, is not on the list of legal and moral protections for Mauna Kea. Telescope activities are an exception to the rules; one that has been abused for far too long.

Significant and Adverse Impact Prohibited

The TMT should not be built because it will cause "significant, adverse, and substantial impact" to the resources of Mauna Kea conservation district, which is prohibited by state law.  In 2003, a federal court compelled NASA to complete the first EIS ever conducted on Mauna Kea since telescope construction began there in 1968.  The EIS unequivocally states that "the cumulative impact of 30 years of astronomy development has resulted in significant, adverse and substantial impact to the cultural and natural resources of Mauna Kea."  State law provides that only activities that do NOT have a "significant and adverse" impact maybe permitted in conservation districts.  Because the massive 360-foot dome of the TMT will do nothing to alleviate the significant and adverse harm suffered at the summit, and it fact will only add to that harm, it is highly unlikely that the BLNR will be allowed to grant a permit to build the TMT in the conservation district at the summit of Mauna Kea. (See, NASA Federal Environmental Impact Statement and accompanying court records OHA v. Sean O`Keefe, Civil. No. 02-00227 SOM/BMK filed July 15, 2003).

Comprehensive Management Plan Incomplete

Despite the University's spin, in reality a final comprehensive management plan has still not been approved for the summit of Mauna Kea.  For more than 10 years, the community has called for comprehensive management of the sacred summit of Mauna Kea.  This demand was echoed by a court decision in 2007 against the State and the University of Hawaii, which halted all construction on the summit of Mauna Kea until a comprehensive management plan is adopted.  In April 2009, the University presented what they described as an "imperfect first step" to a management plan for state approval.  The state offered the University conditional approval of the plan provided that significant changes were made to the plan, including the addition of specific steps to protect cultural resources, natural resources, and public access.  The University has yet to provide these important improvements to their management plan.  Thus, the management plan remains incomplete and construction on the summit is prohibited.  Moreover, how can the TMT advocates claim to be in compliance with a document that has not been completed, yet?

Defend Mauna Kea's Last Pristine Plateau

Office of Environmental Quality Control

Tetra Tech Hawaii

Chancellor Rose Tseng