Although recent polls show most residents, including Native Hawaiians, support the Thirty Meter Telescope, protesters are trying to force their animistic religious views on the rest of Hawaii by blocking its construction.

The TMT is the future of space exploration, following in the wake of the ancient Hawaiians, who were the world’s most intrepid explorers. The TMT would not disrespect a “sacred” mountain, it would honor it.

These ill-advised protesters hold hostage the aspirations of the people of Hawaii to advance in exploring the universe. Protesting is fine, but blocking roads is done by petty criminals.

This is a good example of the “crabs in a bucket” syndrome, in which ignorant protesters try to force their ill-advised views on others to hold them back. The state must not give in to these obstructionists and their hidden agenda to drag Hawaii backwards with their criminal acts.

To cave in will only embolden the troublemakers.

Art Whistler

Manoa

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