No one can predict the future. We should allow the Thirty Meter Telescope to succeed or fail on its own merits.

Years ago, a project on Hawaii island that used geothermal heat to generate electricity was illegally blocked by protesters who claimed it was an affront to the volcano goddess Pele and economically unnecessary. Now that oil and electricity are expensive, some of the same protesters announced that they support geothermal energy development.

The Superferry was a boon for farmers on Maui because they were able to deliver produce directly to customers on Oahu. Unfortunately, it was abandoned because of illegal protests by surfers, as well as environmental lawsuits. Agricultural self-sufficiency remains an unfulfilled dream.

If we really love Mauna Kea, why don’t we Hawaiians (and everyone else) restore its former glory by replanting the sandalwood forest?

Jim Growney

Diamond Head

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