HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0383.003 2018-2020 Comm, 385
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From: Philip Barnes r' s
To: CouncilTestimonv
Subject: TMT Resolution 233
Date: Tuesday,July 23,2019 8:06:51 AM l019 JUL 23 AM : 3 4
Aloha Council Members,
Taking up resolution 233 would be a very bad idea.For the past ten years the folks proposing to build the
Thirty Meter Telescope have been following every protocol that was necessary to obtain the proper permits required
to build the telescope.They have been very patient and have gone to great lengths to insure that Hawaiian cultural
values have been given a high priority in their project design and implementation.They have NOT been following
the old model of paying$1 per year for the lease needed to build the telescope. Once construction is underway their
contribution will be one million dollars per year.They are already contributing to STEM education programs in our
Hawaii Island schools.
Their case has gone all the way to our state's Supreme Court where the court ruled in their favor.As a
legislative body I am sure all of you are very familiar with the roles of the three branches of government.Once the
Judicial Branch has made a ruling on a subject then it is the role of the Executive Branch to enforce that ruling.The
Governor does not have a choice in terms of enforcing the ruling of the Judiciary.IT IS CALLED THE RULE OF
LAW.If you as a body decide to issue a resolution that is not in support of THE RULE OF LAW then you are
stepping on a very slippery slope.Less the I%of the residents of our island are up on the Mauna defying THE
RULE OF LAW.Why would any business or scientific venture ever consider doing business in this state if the rule
of law is no longer in effect?
The kupuna on the Mauna have no more rights than this kupuna sitting in my house in Hilo.Let us be clear,the
present debate on the mountain is based on emotions and not on reason.Let us also be clear that the debate is all
about Hawaiian sovereignty and not a telescope.The overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893 was in no way
justified by law and the issue of Hawaiian sovereignty still needs resolution.However this is neither the issue nor
the venue for settling this long standing grievance.
Respectfully,
Philip Barnes
Hilo,HI 96720
Comm. No
Ref. To: P1 C00
Ref. note JUL 2 3 2019