HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0383.018 2018-2020 Comm , MID
From: Grant Hill
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Resolution 233 22 P41
Date: Sunday,July 21,2019 5:38:27 PM I :IL -- 6
Aloha Hawaii County Council Members,
You are about to vote on a resolution(233) which may seem reasonable and helpful. It is
neither.
The suggestion of a moratorium is at best misguided and naive. At worst it is disingenuous
and calculating. Since it was requested by someone who is on record as opposed to TMT you
can be the judge.
Before voting one way or the other, ask yourself what might such a moratorium accomplish?
There have been such "cooling off' periods before and nothing changes. Those opposed to
TMT are on record as refusing to allow it to be built. Period. In fact it is a matter of public
record that they have called for boycotts of community discussion on the matter in the past.
Conversely there is a long list of ways in which TMT and the University of Hawaii have
listened, compromised and addressed concerns. Foremost among them is that five existing
telescopes will be decommissioned. The overall presence of astronomy on the mountain will
be decreased.
Those opposed to TMT have not hidden the fact that part of their strategy is to repeatedly
delay until the project gives up and takes its economic benefits and educational support
elsewhere. This is just another example of that. The alternate site is notably inferior and the
scientific benefits to all of humanity that much less.
If you are opposed to TMT that is a valid reason to vote for this resolution but if so I urge you
to be transparent and say that is why you are voting for it. It is your obligation to represent
your constituents and to do so honestly and transparently. Do not betray that trust by
pretending this is reasonable or helpful.
Grant Hill
Waimea
Comm. No
Ref. To: P(0061 -
Ref. Date JUL 2 3 2019