As members of Hawaii’s business community, we have been involved, to various degrees, in the nearly 10-year-long review and approval process for the proposed Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT). And we have been carefully following the recent actions, by both TMT opponents and supporters, that have thrust our state into a worldwide spotlight.

First, we wish to reiterate that we have supported, and continue to support the TMT. We also respect the sacredness and cultural importance of Mauna Kea, and we appreciate the perspective of those opposing the TMT. Those perspectives are complex and cannot be simply categorized or easily dismissed. We recognize there were failures in the past to observe and respect the significance of this site.

As businesspeople, we have spoken about the economic benefits of the TMT. Nearly everyone in Hawaii has heard or read these messages. More than $1.4 billion will be invested in Hawaii. Even now, there are 1,400 jobs statewide that are sustained by the astronomy field creating approximately $170 million in annual economic benefit to the state.

This litany of economic benefits has characterized TMT supporters as only caring about the money. But, like the positions of TMT opponents, our support is also very complex.

We continue to believe that the TMT will help our community in ways that far exceed the economic impact. It is more than a business venture. It is about creating a meaningful, sustainable future for our community and our keiki.

A successful TMT will be an important symbol to our community and the world.

It will show our future generations that Hawaii can be a world leader in technology and science and give hope to our youth that they no longer need to leave our islands to pursue these types of opportunities. We must find ways to have more opportunities for our keiki to realize their full potential in Hawaii.

It will affirm Hawaii’s position at the forefront of discovery and exploration and continue the ground-breaking work of the Institute of Astronomy and the University of Hawaii.

It will demonstrate to the world that Hawaii can be a place for international collaboration and partnership.

And it will show that a modern, global, diversified economy is truly possible in Hawaii.

Losing the TMT would make a statement to the world as well, seriously damaging Hawaii’s image and reputation and our ability to foster and develop scientific leadership. The consequences for our keiki, for our economy, and for our future are too great.

There has to be a solution to enable reconciliation of past issues while allowing science to advance. And we are encouraged by the efforts of all those who are working to find a solution that will meet the needs of both supporters and opponents.

Honoring and respecting our host culture while expanding our knowledge through studying the stars has been a part of Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage. And like the ancient wayfinders who used the stars to guide them to a new life in our islands, the TMT can help us use the stars as a guide to a dynamic future for our people and our community while respecting the sacredness of Mauna Kea.

Michele Saito is chairwoman of the Hawaii Business Roundtable. Rhea Lee-Moku is president of the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce.