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Officials behind the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope are pushing ahead with construction on Mauna Kea despite continued opposition. Native Hawaiians oppose the $1.4 billion project because they say it further desecrates the sacred mountain. The plan was buffeted by legal and political challenges for the past 16 years. The state Supreme Court ruled in the telescope organizers’ favor last October. Protesters successfully delayed the start of construction of the major telescope in 2015. Opponents promise sizable and long-term acts of civil disobedience again. State officials say they are prepared for protests.
Guests:
Kealoha Pisciotta (Kanaka Maoli) – spokesperson for Mauna Kea Anaina Hou
Lākea Trask (Kanaka Maoli) – representative from Kanaka Rangers
Dan Meisenzahl – director of the office of communications for the University of Hawai’i
Ka’iulani Mahuka (Kanaka Maoli) – show host of Songs of Sovereignty for Kaua’i Community Radio and Hawaiian activist
HolyElk Lafferty (Sičháŋǧu, Oglála and Mnikȟówožu Lakota) – advocate and water protector
Break 1 Music: Mauna Kea (song) Eddie Kamae & The Sons of Hawaii (artist) Sons of Hawaii (album)
Break 2 Music: Niizh Straight (song) Niizhoo Sullivan (artist) Rez Kid Rhythm (album)
