During WWII, if a person were to ask a Japanese American whom he wanted to see win the war, he could honestly answer: “Neither. I want them to stop fighting.”

Today, the two peoples whom I love are fighting. This time: It’s the kanaka maoli, and the state of Hawaii. Please stop. Yes, stop and talk to one another. There is common ground.

When the gods of Olympus were replaced by the Christian god, some of their temples were allowed to remain. Perhaps the state can offer to build a place of worship for the protectors of Mauna Kea so it can always be a holy place for those who choose to worship Mauna Kea in that way.

Others who choose to see Mauna Kea as the leader in scientific and astronomical discovery can “worship” with their own temple of study. Neither need desecrate the others’ beliefs.

There is room for talk and a meeting of the minds. Compromise may not be the appropriate word. Perhaps what is really meant is “cohabiting the same Earth.”

Jerald S. Takesono

Kaneohe

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