HomeMy WebLinkAboutMaunakea The Heart of Aloha PamphletThe Heart of Aloha
The all-encompassing image of the heart atop Maunakea well symbolizes the most precious values and beauty of this place and its people.
A way forward
Maunakea
A Way Forward
THIS PRESENTATION IS BEYOND A "YES" OR "NO" Of
THE TMT PROJECT. THIS IS ABOUT ASKING HAWAII'S PEOPLE TO COME
TOGETHER AND FINDING A PATH TO GO FORWARD IN A GOOD WAY.
In recent years, the Hokule`a gave birth to a phenomenal Hawaiian
cultural renaissance, re-igniting the Hawaiians' desire to discover,
grow and explore new frontiers; with this, the pride of the wisdom
and courage of their elders.
In recent months, Maunakea has added to this remarkable
Hawaiian cultural renaissance, the Hawaiians' identity and the pride
of being Hawaiian; with this, the reverence and sacredness for the
total environment.
When respectfully integrated with a comprehensive understanding
of Maunakea and Hawaiian culture, astronomy can be such a
catalyst for positive and transformational changes in Hawaii.
Under the leadership of dreamers, innovators, and awakened
community, this can be the leverage for not only Maunakea issues,
but to understand and address wrongs of past to make us a better
people and place.-
- Mayor Harry Kim, 2019
Foundations Laid to Acknowledge and Honor the Hawaiian Heritage
WE PLEDGE TO BUILD ON THESE FOUNDATIONS
GOVERNANCE
1978 Rights of Native Hawaiians — Constitutional amendment recognizes customary
and traditional rights of Native Hawaiians.
1978 Office of Hawaiian Affairs — Constitutional amendment creates the Office of
Hawaiian Affairs to begin to right extensive wrongs suffered by the indigenous people
of Hawaii and rebuild the Hawaiian nation through a public trust.
1986 Aloha Spirit Law — The Legislature enacts the Aloha Spirit Law, authored by Aunty
Pilahi Paki, to preserve the essence of Hawaiian culture, and to set examples for
kindness, unity, humility and patience to the world.
1993 Apology Resolution — Congress and President Bill Clinton acknowledge the United
States' role in the illegal overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1893 and that the
Native Hawaiian people have never abandoned claims to sovereignty of their lands;
thus, furthering the momentum of the Hawaiian sovereignty movement.
LANGUAGE AND EDUCATION
1978 Hawaiian Language— State Constitution recognizes Hawaiian as an official
language; today, it is one of two states to give indigenous languages the
same status as English. (Alaska being the second state)
1986 Hawaiian Studies Program - The University of Hawaii at Manoa and
Hilo offers world-class, innovative programs, including undergraduate and graduate
degrees, in Hawaiian Language to perpetuate the culture and result in fluent Hawaiian
language speakers who are committed to - and live - the Hawaiian culture. The
Hawaiian Language program also offers certificate programs.
1987 Ka Papahana Kaiapuni - The State Department of Education creates the K-12
Ka Papahana Kaiapuni Hawaii Language Immersion Program for public and charter
schools, complementing the Punana Leo Hawaiian language private preschools, to
ensure keiki are raised with `Olelo Hawaii and can teach future generations. The
program has grown from an enrollment of 152 in 1990 to 3,100 in 2017,
graduating 21 successive classes of students through 2019.
1997 Ka Haka `Ula O Ke`elikolani - To revitalize Hawaiian language and culture,
UH -Hilo establishes the Ka Haka `Ula O Ke`elikolani College of Hawaiian Language,
the only school focused on indigenous language at a comprehensive public university.
This enables UH -Hilo to provide not only bachelors and masters programs in Hawaiian
Studies and language, but a world -leading PhD program that has positioned UH -Hilo
as a global leader in indigenous language revitalization efforts for the
world. Ka Haka `Ula has also taken on a leadership role in preparing teachers for
Hawaiian Immersion schools across the islands.
1997 Ka Huli Ao Center For Excellence In Native Hawaiian Law - The
UH Law School establishes an academic center that promotes education, scholarship,
community outreach and collaboration on issues of law, culture and justice for Native
Hawaiians and other Pacific and Indigenous peoples.
2003 The John A. Burns School of Medicine at UH Manoa - Establishes
the Department of Native Hawaiian Health to develop a comprehensive program
to improve the healthcare status of Native Hawaiians, including through the Native
Hawaiian Center of Excellence and the `Imi Ho`ola Program.
2006 `Imiloa Astronomy Center - As part of the University of Hawaii at Hilo,
Imiloa brings together members of the Hawaiian and astronomy communities to
share a common vision for the future, bringing information about cultural and
natural history of Maunakea each year to 66,000 students, teachers, local
residents and visitors from around the world.
2007 Hawai`inuiakea School of Hawaiian Knowledge - Starting in 1970
as a Hawaiian Studies option in Liberal Studies that has grown to the nation's only
indigenous college in a research institution, approved by the Board of Regents
in 2007, the school offers bachelors and masters degrees to "pursue, perpetuate,
reach and revitalize all areas and forms of Hawaiian knowledge. The college includes
Kamakakuokalani Hawaiian Studies Program, Kawaihuelani Center for Hawaiian
Language, Ka Papa Lo`i O Kanewai Cultural Garden, and Native Hawaiian Student
Services. The services program supports an estimated 2,600 Hawaiian students
annually, the largest body of indigenous students in any post -secondary educational
institution in the world.
CULTURE
1964 Merrie Monarch - The County of Hawaii establishes the Merrie Monarch
Festival to acknowledge Hawaii's unique culture and to celebrate hula. Dottie
Thompson, Director of Parks and Recreation, was appointed to lead the development
of the festival. The Merrie Monarch Festival is now a world-class event
showcasing the Hawaiian culture and celebrating hula.
1990 Island Burial Councils - In response to the desecration and disregard
of Hawaiian burials, the State Legislature creates the Island Burial Council
system to care for ancestral remains of Native Hawaiian burial sites in a
respectful and appropriate manner.
1990 Kaho`olawe Island Reserve Commission - Following bombing and
decades of inappropriate land use, the State Legislature establishes the Kaho`olawe
Island Reserve Commission to restore native ecosystems and manage the
Kaho`olawe Island Reserve in trust, pending a future Native Hawaiian sovereign
entity assuming authority.
2018 Year of the Hawaiian Proclamation N In recognition of the growing
renaissance of the Native Hawaiian culture, the Governor proclaimed 2018 as the
Year of the Hawaiian. The proclamation asks "the people of the Aloha
State to join us in understanding the value of Native Hawaiian cultural
practices and recognize the Native Hawaiians for their achievements and
contributions."
Issues of Astronomy on Maunakea
POOR MANAGEMENT
"Too many telescopes"
The cumulative impacts of observatory development on the mountain
have been recognized as being "substantial, significant, and adverse"
(TMT Environmental Impact Statement).
Response: The University of Hawaii has made a legally -binding
commitment that the TMT site will be the last new area to be
developed for observatories and has committed to the removal
of 5 current observatories by the end of 2033 as a condition of
the TMT permit. A decommissioning sub -plan, under the Maunakea
Comprehensive Management Plan, guides the removal of observatories
and site restoration.
TMT Conservation District Use Permit
• Three of the existing 13 telescopes to be permanently removed
as soon as reasonably possible, but no later than the time TMT is
complete.
o Caltech Submillimeter Observatory began decommissioning
process in 2017. A public scoping period ended in 2018. Hoku
Kea decommissioning also underway. UKIRT is identified for
removal.
• Two more by the current end of UH's lease in 2033.
• None of these sites will be redeveloped.
If TMT is built, there will be no more than nine telescopes
beyond 2033. This is a commitment.
"Too many visitors"
Maunakea remains a popular attraction for tourists and residents,
prompting concerns about visitor impacts to the mountain. According to
Maunakea Support Services, 35,511 vehicles ascended the mountain in
2016, with observatory crews and permitted tours accounting for about
37 percent of vehicle traffic that year. The rest is attributed to the general
public including visitors.
Response: UH is developing administrative rules to address access
issues. Other steps to address access include:
Ranger Program
Shortly after its founding in fall 2000, the Office of Maunakea
Management created a ranger program to provide daily oversight of
activities on UH managed lands. It is the goal of the administration to
expand the ranger program.
Public Access Sub -Plan
• As part of the Maunakea Comprehensive Management Plan, this
sub -plan sets principles and policies to guide public and commercial
activities.
• To be implemented through administrative rules.
"Isolated bureaucracy"
The Legislative Auditor issued a critical audit in 1998 of UH's
management.
Response: The University of Hawaii completed a Master Plan for
Maunakea and formed the Office of Maunakea Management under UH -
Hilo in 2000 to relocate management from `Oahu to Hawaii Island.
OMKM
• Overseen by a board of community members nominated by the UH -Hilo
chancellor and approved by the UH Board of Regents.
• Advised by a Native Hawaiian cultural council, known as Kahu Ku
Mauna.
• Completed Comprehensive Management Plan in 2009. The CMP
incorporates four sub -plans: Cultural Resources, Natural Resources,
Public Access, and Decommissioning.
NOT PAYING FAIR SHARE
Observatories, while providing significant economic benefits, have paid $1
a year for their subleases under UH, prompting concern they aren't paying
their share for use of public lands.
Response: TMT is the only sublease entered into after the
Legislative Audit and 2000 Master Plan, and therefore the
first telescope to pay substantial lease rent. Substantial lease
payments will be included in any new and renegotiated sub-
lease agreements.
TMT sub -lease
• Sub -lease validated in 2018 following legal challenges.
• Payments start at $300,000 annually and will reach $1.08 million
annually after 10 years.
• Payments benefit Office of Maunakea Management for stewardship and
management, and Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
DISRESPECT OF HAWAIIAN CULTURE
Maunakea is recognized for its wahi pana and other highly valued
cultural and natural resources. It is also recognized as a premier site for
astronomy. The Legislative Auditor in 1998 faulted UH for not doing
enough to protect the cultural and natural resources when building
observatories.
Response: Restrictions were imposed by the UH management plans
and TMT Conservation District Use Permit:
• UH management plans
o Environmental, cultural and architectural controls developed.
o Controls address development on pu`u.
• TMT Conservation District Use Permit
• Site designated at an area below the summit and away from
historical and cultural sites, including Kukahau`ula and Lake
Waiau. No burials at the site.
• All waste from the observatory will be stored and removed.
• No explosives to be used during construction.
INADEQUATE COMMUNITY BENEFIT
The primary beneficiaries of astronomy have narrowly been the UH and
scientists.
Response: To broaden the benefits of astronomy to the community,
the observatories and `Imiloa Astronomy Center have supported several
programs, including the following:
Maunakea Observatories
• Several million dollars spent on education and workforce development
including Journey Through the Universe, Akamai internships,
AstroDays, Kama`aina Observatory Experience, and Maunakea
Scholars program, which gives Hawaii high school students access to
the telescopes for observations and research. Maunakea Scholars
program remains the only program of its kind in the world.
`Imiloa Astronomy Center
• A Hua He Inoa: Native Hawaiian students work with astronomers and
Hawaiian language experts to give Hawaiian names to astronomical
discoveries. Names have been submitted and accepted by the
International Astronomical Union.
Thirty Meter Telescope
• In 20141 TMT International Observatory launched the THINK Fund,
which provides $1 million a year to STEM education on Hawaii Island.
Annual payments adjusted for inflation will continue for the life of the
observatory.
Our Pledge
David Ige
Governor
State of Hawaii
RESTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT OF MAUNAKEA. I will administratively restructure
the management of Maunakea to include representation by the Hawaiian
community and by County government, while working with the Legislature for
permanent restructuring of management.
DHHL Housing Support. I commit to work with DHHL and the Legislature to
seek additional resources to increase housing on DHHL lands.
David Ige Sept. 12, 2019
David Lassner
President
University of Hawaii
RESTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT OF MAUNAKEA. I will work with the Governor,
the Native Hawaiian community, and the Mayor to restructure a collaborative
approach to stewardship of the mauna as articulated by the UH Board of Regents.
CULTURAL FACILITY. I commit to establishing a facility to celebrate and honor
Hawaiian history, knowledge, culture and language, along with modern science
and astronomy, on the already developed land at Hale Pohaku under guidance
by the Native Hawaiian community.
CULTURAL PRACTITIONERS SITE. I commit to set aside lands at the summit, if
desired, for the sole use of cultural practitioners.
CULTURE AND SCIENCE INTEGRATION. I commit to pursue broadening the
cultural/educational mission at Hale Pohaku to fully integrate Hawaiian
cosmology, astronomy, language and cultural knowledge into research and
teaching activities of the observatories.
David Lassner Sept. 12, 2019
William Aila
Interim Chairman
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
HOUSING. We will work with Hawaii County and other state agencies to
expedite approval of DHHL subdivisions. We will provide innovative homestead
opportunities, such as subsistence agricultural awards, tiny homes, and other
efforts, to put beneficiaries on DHHL land.
William Aila Sept. 12, 2019
Ed Stone
Executive Director
TMT International Observatory
SUSTAINABLE ASTRONOMY. We commit to working toward this vision of
Maunakea and the development of a new paradigm of sustainable astronomy
on Maunakea founded on integrating culture, science, the environment and
education, as demonstrated by the 10 -plus -year consultation process, which
included the Kahu Ku Mauna Council, Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners
and other community members. This led to a development plan and permit
which addressed concerns about impacts on the environment and cultural and
historical sites.
GOOD NEIGHBOR. We commit to continue working with the community, to
being good stewards of the mountain, and good neighbors on our island
home. Efforts in the past have included the THINK Fund to benefit educational
programs and scholarships, and the Akamai Workforce Initiative that has
placed college students in summer internships at observatories and other
high-tech companies in Hawaii.
Ed Stone Sept. 12, 2019
Our Pledge
DIRECTORS OF THE MAUNAKEA OBSERVATORIES
THE MAUNAKEA OBSERVATORIES SUPPORTS THE VISION FOR MAUNAKEA AND
RECOGNIZE THE FOLLOWING AS ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS IN YOUR "VISION FOR
MAUNAKEA":
• The harmony that can grow from acknowledging a painful history of intrusions
on the First Nation of Hawaii.
• The importance of protecting the cultural and historical significance of
Maunakea.
• The necessity to build a bright future for all people in Hawaii in the spirit of
aloha.
• The potential of Hawaii setting an international example of diversity in these
challenging times.
• The unique value of Maunakea in the pursuit of knowledge about the Universe.
• The opportunity of Maunakea becoming a global beacon of hope, peace, and
discovery —
The Maunakea observatories are integral members of the Hawaii community
and whole-heartedly support these pillars in your vision. Maunakea should be
recognized as a place where cultural, scientific, and environmental interests
don't simply coincide, but instead support one another for Maunakea to thrive
as a whole. We deeply appreciate the importance of Maunakea to a broad
cross section of our community and we are thankful and privileged to study the
universe from the Maunakea summit — a unique portal on the universe and
our origins.
MAUNAKEA OBSERVATORIES
Letter to Mayor Harry Kim signed by all
Directors of the Maunakea Observatories March 28, 2019
Canada-France-Hawai'i Telescope
James Clerk Maxwell Telescope
UKIRT (United Kingdom Infra -Red Telescope)
Hoku Kea Observatory
Institute for Astronomy
Gemini Observatory
Long Baseline Observatory
W.M. Keck Observatory (Keck I and Keck II)
Subaru Telescope
NASA Infrared Telescope Facility
Our Pledge
Harry Kim
Mayor
County of Hawaii
PARTICIPATE IN MANAGEMENT OF MAUNAKEA. County government commits
to designating County representation in high-level decision-making relating to
management of Maunakea and supporting the restructuring of the management of
Maunakea.
NEXT STEP FORWARD
CONVENE A CORE GROUP OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO BELIEVE AND SUPPORT
THE VISION. THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS GROUP ARE TO PROVIDE DIRECTION
AND GUIDANCE IN BRINGING THIS VISION TO LIFE.
Harry Kim Sept. 12, 2019
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This proposal is a result of many conversations and meetings over the past years
with government leaders, guardians of the mountain, community, spiritual leaders,
and scientists. While interest and positions were diverse, each shared a deep love
and commitment to what is good for Maunakea and Hawaii. The innumerable
hours spent in these discussions has deepened my own understanding and
appreciation of Maunakea and the Hawaiian people. All meetings ended with a
positive relationship that is so appreciated.
Our challenge is such a difficult one simply because of the complexity of the issue.
This proposal of a way forward is just a step building upon the foundation laid to
address wrongs of past and to find a way to make things better.
Vision for Mannakea
THIS IS ABOUT WHAT MAUNAKEA CAN BE FOR THE WORLD
Maunakea to be a symbol of nations working together for the pursuit of peace and
harmony, a beacon of hope and discovery for the world. This is not just about science.
It is about combining culture and science. It is about respect and caring. It is about
a quest for knowledge that will make us a better people and better stewards of this
world.
• It is about Hawaii to be globally recognized as a cultural and natural treasure.
Hawaii, a place on this earth where people live together peacefully and respectfully
in harmony with nature. This is about Hawaii and the cosmopolitan people (people
of the world) where diversity is respected and celebrated.
• This is about the recognition of a deeply painful history of intrusions on the First
Nation of Hawaii, which today are reflected in issues such as Maunakea. It is about
the wrongs done to indigenous people of the world whose scars remain fresh.
• Maunakea to be an opportunity for the gift of aloha to be presented to the world to
make us better. This is about the mountain bringing people together.
INITIATIVES OF THE VISION
• Cultural Treasure: Create a major cultural center to protect and preserve the
historical and cultural specialness of Hawaii and its people.
• Science: Create science programs that emphasize the inseparability of nature and
culture.
• Education: Create educational programs that connect the wonders of science to the
minds of children and adults.
• Management: Establish an umbrella management authority that gives strong
deference to the voices of the host island and the Hawaiian community.
• Beacon of hope for the world: Be a model of how the people of the world can
live together in harmony and the opportunity of Maunakea becoming a global
beacon of hope, peace and discovery.
"The world will turn to Hawaii as they search for world peace because Hawaii has the key...and that key is aloha."
Aunty Pilahi Paki, 1970