I’m from Papakolea, but currently reside in Kaimuki. I’m a masters student at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. I am writing to address what is going on with Maunakea and the Thirty Meter Telescope.

Although this is a very heavy time in my community and here in Hawaii, I would like to shed light on the triumphs as a collective community Hawaii has accomplished. The people have banded together to create a pu‘uhonua (place of refuge) on Pu‘uhuluhulu. Since its resurrection protectors have put together Hawaii’s first free education university, making Pu‘uhonua o Pu‘uhuluhulu an actual place of Hawaiian learning.

People from across the islands and even around the world have pulled together resources, from Hawaiian Miles, garbage pickups and ride shares, for everyone to come. It is an impressive thing to witness and I implore everyone to experience for themselves this greatness.

Nanea Lo

Kaimuki

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