Long before telescopes even existed, our islands were home to the heart of our Akua (God.) We have looked to him for guidance and understanding of our universe, and have relied on him to lead us throughout the centuries. Whether it was sailing on a sea voyage or sitting in quiet prayer, the stars and sky have led us to where we are today. To not pursue the opportunity to have the TMT on our island would be a great disservice to our people, to our past and the future for our keiki.
“It will afford me unfeigned satisfaction if my kingdom can add its quota toward the successful accomplishment of the most important astronomical observation of the present century and assist, however humbly, the enlightened nations of the earth in these costly enterprises.”
King David Kalākaua, on Hawaii’s role in the observations of the Venus Transit of December 8, 1874
“I see Maunakea as a special place that allows us to understand and study our origins. As one’s origin and genealogy are critical aspects of Hawaiian culture, I view the pursuit of astronomy on Maunakea to be a beautiful blend of culture and science.”
“The TMT project is like a search for the aumakua or ancestral origins of the universe. How is this any different from us as Native Hawaiians searching for own roots in things both natural and spiritual?”
“I’m very proud to identify myself as a Native Hawaiian. At the same time, I’m also a scientist, I’m an astronomer and I believe that these two aspects of me can coexist. And I believe that astronomy and the culture can coexist on Mauna Kea.”
“I believe totally in getting the new telescope built on Mauna Kea. Our ancestors studied the heavens. Now a new generation of Hawaiians can have the opportunity to advance what they discovered. A telescope that can accomplish this maintains the sacredness of the mountain. With this and in other ways, we need to be open to the future to carry us forward to the many tomorrows yet to come.”
“As a resident of Hawaii island, and a Native Hawaiian, I believe that our Island provides a living laboratory for science. From mauka to makai we can access astronomy, volcanology, geology, and marine sciences. We need to be leaders in melding science and culture because as we already know, the Hawaiians had a strong and prospering society before western contact. Science can learn from us, and while we cannot go back, we can move forward together! Just as Hokulea relied on both traditional navigation supported by the instruments of their escort vessel, we need to find a way to embrace each other and become leaders for the world. ”
“I think telescopes maintain the sanctity of the mauna, worshipping the sky through observation and servicing a goal of bringing humankind closer to understanding creation of life in the universe. It isn’t traditional but neither were the ahu erected on the mauna, which didn’t diminish their sanctity to those who built it. I don’t want to be afraid to say ”Imua TMT” and want everyone to proceed with respect, on the common ground that we want what is best for Hawaii’s future. It isn’t Hawaiians versus desecration. It isn’t a war on culture and science. It isn’t an issue where only Native Hawaiians get to have a say because we are no longer the only ones who live here.”
“I believe astronomy and Hawaiian culture are compatible in the pursuit of knowledge and exploration. TMT has and will continue to provide opportunities for the people of Hawaii, the community that I call home.”
“I believe in lifelong learning, both for myself and for humanity. If our species is to have a bright future, we must never stop seeking new horizons. Yes to TMT. Yes to knowledge.”
“As a former (and future) Big Island high school teacher, I am deeply grateful for the TMT’s support of STEM education in secondary schools. And as an astronomy student, I look forward to many more groundbreaking discoveries coming from Maunakea Observatories.”
“Astronomy is a universal human interest and passion. I look forward to a future in which Hawaii is at the center of the countless discoveries that TMT will make about our universe. I am proud to support TMT.”
“I have always been interested in learning more about the universe. TMT stands ready to make some of the most important discoveries in my lifetime. Even the possibility of discovering the things that TMT is designed to discover makes this project worthwhile. Yes to TMT!”
“I’m a Hawiian, and I fully understand the cultural and environmental effects TMT may have on Maunakea. But I also believe that the scientific, financial, educational, and economic benefits that come with TMT will make vast improvements on the Big Island. Hawai’i can be the front runner for astronomy, something our ancestors always believe in. Imua TMT.”
“We support astronomy in Hawaii as a clean, sustainable industry. The best astronomy on the planet is from Maunakea. Astronomy is a part of our stargazing, navigating heritage throughout Polynesia.”
“TMT will bring millions of dollars in investments and jobs to Hawaii, while simultaneously ensuring that Hawaii, its people, and our ideas remain at the forefront of human scientific endeavor.”
“When I was a kid, I did a week long science camp on the Big Island that included time on the summit, inside one of the telescope facilities. There was no cost to my family, and this was a pretty big experience for me. Don’t believe it when people say the TMT has nothing for Hawaii’s future, or its Keiki.”
“I am proud that my lineage includes both Native Hawaiian and Native American plus other Polynesian, European, and Asian ancestry. I am grateful to have been born and raised in Hawaii with Hawaiian values, thought processes, and traditions. AND I support TMT which does not mean that as a Native Hawaiian, all is forgotten and forgiven.”
“The TMT is poised to make the most important discovery of all time: life on another planet. It’d be cool to give that planet a Hawaiian name. A name that will spread the Hawaiian language to every corner of the globe and into perpetuity.”
“I am in support of TMT and I can’t wait to take my kids up there to look at the stars.”
“If Kamehameha I was ruling Mauna Kea today, he would build a heiau (temple) platform and mount the TMT on it.”
“The historic legacy of Mauna Kea must continue its contribution to scientific knowledge.”
“The reason we support TMT because we believe it is being done the right way. We really need these STEM jobs and Hawai’i Island is so limited. We told them that we needed more funding for STEM education to pay their fair share of rent and they listened. They followed through.”
“TMT is a necessity. The whole world depends on astronomy, for safety, discovery, and gathering evidence…. My whole life, it was a normal thing to have telescopes on our Mauna. They go hand in hand and I can see why. There’s no better place then Hawai’i.”
“When I think of the opportunities that today’s children will have because of what TMT is doing to help them in their education, it just amazes me. You know, those fields are so important for our kids and they’re getting it right now on the Big Island. ”
“As a native Hawaiian, I think that Mauna Kea is a special place to not only natives but to everyone in Hawai’i. Mauna Kea is a place to learn, a place to remember the past and a beacon of scientific hope for the entire world. Culture and science can coexist if we all work together.”
“I am a proud Hawiian, I have true Aloha for our people of Hawaii and the ‘Aina. At the same time, I believe our world is ever changing, and so must we. I believe in the importance of education, knowledge, and cultivating a desire to learn in our Keiki. Years ago, we arrived to these great lands, guided by the stars. Let the heavens guide us now. I support TMT.”
“The TMT is made up of the Pacific Rim nations of Canada, the US, Japan, India, and China. What better purpose can we aspire to than cooperation among nations, rather than war? And what better place for cooperation than on Mauna Kea, in Hawaii, the land of Aloha?”
