Act Now to Help Defend Mauna Kea from UH's Power Grab:
In February 2009, the University of Hawaii launched a multiple-pronged effort to take over control of the sacred summit of Mauna Kea. The University has introduced four bills in the legislation and released its version of a management plan all pressuring the state's proper resource manager -- the Department of Land and Natural Resources -- to give up oversight and enforcement of the current laws protecting Mauna Kea. This is an unprecedented attack on the current protections for Mauna Kea. You can help tell Hawaii's policymakers to stand strong: Protect Mauna Kea for the People, Not the Profiteers.
Defend the Sacred Summit of Mauna Kea from UH's Latest Power Grab
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.
et, today Mauna Keas 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.
"The UH plan says -- and I quote -- 'one of the best methods of minimizing damage to resources is through education.' Actually, I think we can all agree that one of the best ways to minimize damage to resources is to not let the developer build in a conservation district."
-- Kealoha Pisciotta, President Mauna Kea Anaina Hou
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.
Tell Lawmakers to say "NO" to UH's Bad Mauna Kea Bills!
Submitting your testimony today in support of Mauna Kea and in opposition to the H.B. 1174 HD 3 and the University's newest development plan will help to ensure that the laws meant to protect Mauna Kea are not weakened by the University. **** Please take a few moments to add a few personalized comments at the top.
Take your testimony one step further -- tell Hawaii's decision-makers why you care about Mauna Kea, want to protect our public trust resources, and expect our conservation laws to be followed. ****
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2699/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26592
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Native Hawaiian Farmer Supports Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Keaby laurainkona243 views
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