HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0383.043 2018-2020 plcoumcrL
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1919 JUL 24 A : 59
Kalepa Baybayan of Kailua-Kona.
I whole heartedly reject the resolution forwarded by the ill considered request of
Senator Kai Kahele, urging Governor David Ige and Mayor Harry Kim, calling for a
moratorium on the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope.
There currently is a self-imposed moratorium on construction access and any
observatory activity, imposed by those blockading access to the summit in the name of
Kapu Aloha, their action demonstrate anything but Aloha. Yesterday, a Gemini
Observatory maintenance crew was denied access to summit even though an
agreement had previously been reached, protestors renigged on the agreement. Law
and Order is not in control of the mountain.
I respect the right of protestors to protest peacefully but not to break the law by
denying legal access to the summit.TMT has endured a long and tenuous legal process
and the Supreme Court ruled favorably to uphold the BLNR's right to grant a
Conservation District Use Permit. In an adversarial court process both sides present
evidence to make their case, one side is successful in arguing their case and one side is
the loser.To now disagree with the verdict by actions blockading TMT construction
crews access to the mountain is the behavior of a immature adolescent, and it unfairly
i
punishes the project.
I don't know the process by which a resolution appears in committee, but we trust our
councilors to demonstrate clear insight, a sense of duty, and reasoned leadership,this
resolution displays none of these attributes.The resolution should read, we, the county
council, implore the governor and the mayor to immediately re-establish the rule of law,
to restore and protect access to all users of the summit, protectors, observatory staff,
and the TMT construction crew.
This should have been done first, because it demonstrates insight for the challenge, a
sense of fair duty to all, and reasoned and reflective leadership. It is my hope that their
still exist enough leaders on this council that will reject this proposed misguided
resolution based upon insight, duty, and reasoned leadership.
Mahalo
Comm. No.
Ref. To: OO
Ref. Date JUL 2 4 2019