On social media, stars against the telescope

The controversy over the Mauna Kea Thirty Meter Telescope project has drawn big crowds to demonstrations. But it’s the virtual crowds gathering through social media that have brought the greatest exposure.

Those who follow celebrities such as Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet on Twitter and other networks have spread word of the conflict like wildfire, many scrawling "I Am Mauna Kea" on themselves.

It’s unclear whether these newcomers are aware of all the consultation, compromise and lengthy regulatory process that led to the TMT.

Let’s hope the less-knowledgeable critics learn some of this history, too.

Lawmakers float the idea of another ferry system

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Or should it be ply, ply again — as in the waters — for another interisland ferry system?

The state Senate has passed two resolutions asking the state Department of Transportation to study the feasibility of a ferry system here, akin to the one on Washington state’s Puget Sound. The measures now move to the House.

For two years starting in 2007, Hawaii did have the Superferry, which was figuratively sunk by inadequate environmental review, and literally blocked by activists on Kauai. The latest iteration would involve smaller ferries for people only, not cars. The DOT backs the proposal’s intent, but has concerns such as community support and environmental effects.