The TMT Controversy: A Telescope Atop A Mystical Mountain

The TMT Controversy:

A Telescope Atop A Mystical Mountain

O, Mikey. "Sunset Over Mauna Kea-Hawaii"6/20/14 via flickr. Public Domain Dedication

What is this controversy?

 This controversy is not just a debate, but a dueling battle between two sides  The TMT controversy, a debate regarding the construction of the world’s most innovative telescope atop one of Hawaii’s ideological mountains, has picked up quite a bit of steam in the past year. While this is an optimal location for astronomers to continue learning about the universe, it has simultaneously angered the Hawaiian natives. Mauna Kea has long been a sacred site for the Hawaiian’s ideological ceremonies including ancestral worship and religious practices. Because the people of Hawaii hold this landmark so close to their hearts  it is natural for them to be upset with the potential telescope construction.  As time has gone on, more and more people have joined forces on either side of the debate in order to work on getting justice for what they think is right.

Pasixxxx, "Mapmaunakea"3/1/06 via Wikimedia Commons. Public Domain (Some Rights Reserved).

What are the logistics of the situation?

 Although the debate has grown significantly in recent months, there has been much talk about the building of telescopes in Hawaii for years. In 1960 there was a 212-hectare reserve that was labeled as land to be used for astronomy projects. If the TMT is built it will be the 14th telescope to be commissioned on this  specific plot of land set aside for astronomy purposes. Mauna Kea is within this reserve so the astronomers feel they have a right to proceed with the building of their designed telescope. Although the natives have put up with 13 telescopes being built thus far they feel that this extreme project which would take over 2 hectares of land from the reserve is too much of a commitment and an extreme change to their cultural environment.  

What are the main sides in this controversy?

 One side of this controversy holds the idea that astronomers should be allowed to build on the Mauna Kea due to the fact that the TMT telescope will allow for drastic advances in the name of science. On the other hand, there is a belief that Mauna Kea has been thought of as a sacred place for centuries and is a revered location in Hawaii then it should remain pure for the people who know it as that. There is also a concern of limited monetary resources that provide a big problem for the people of Hawaii. A video showing their side of the story relayed the message "As an island with finite resources, we cannot afford further mismanagement."

The majority of the astronomy community favors the building of the telescope due to the possibility of such innovative advancements in the optical science world. The fact that the observatory atop Mauna Kea is the largest in the world makes astronomers even more eager to continue construction of more unprecedented telescopes. Among the most impressive feats which the TMT telescope will accomplish are the capabilities of determining dark matter’s presence in shaping the world and investigating black holes further. Additionally, the Governor of Hawaii, David Ige, favors the building but specifies that “the pursuit of science on the mountain has gotten in the way of the cultural experience, and the state must restore the balance” (Hofschneider). This is a key factor because he was one of the first people to suggest the possibility of compromise between the two sides of the debate. Meanwhile, the Hawaiian natives, famous celebrities, and some in the science community believe strongly in keeping Mauna Kea from having anything built on it.

Hilo, Occupy. “Thirty Meter Telescope protest” 10/7/14 via Wikimedia Commons. Creative Commons Attribution.

  

How are people trying to make a difference?

How are opponents trying to make a change regarding this topic? Those not in favor of the telescope being built on Mauna Kea have banned together in order to make a change. A hashtag #WeAreMaunaKea has begun trending on social media sites and even some celebrities have joined in the fight by posting it. Meanwhile, the people of Hawaii have been protesting. These people have been protesting to gain leverage for their cause. While some of these people just join in the fight to keep the telescope off of Mauna Kea because they live there they have little scholarly credibility. There are a number of other protesters who cite credible reasons as to why they don’t want the telescope on their sacred land. These hashtags and other forms of protest have seemed to be extremely effective in getting the Hawaiian government to acknowledge the negative effects of allowing construction of the TMT on Mauna Kea and has spurred on legal action regarding the controversy.As of late August, the Hawaii Supreme Court began hearing the opening arguments for the court case regarding the building of the telescope on the mountain. 

Why does it matter to those of us that aren't from Hawaii?

To many who are not directly associated with this problem it seems as though there’s no reason to care about the controversy at hand. In reality, though, the outcome of this controversy could affect us all on a very large scale. The proposed telescope is one that would revolutionize astronomy in ways never seen before. These advancements include, but are not limited to, learning more about dark matter, looking for “Earth’s twin”, and searching for other dark holes in the universe. On the other hand, if the telescope is built, the people of Hawaii will lose another piece of their history and culture. This will not only affect them but everyone who ventures to Hawaii because they will all have less untainted land to explore and admire. Destroying this sacred mountain would be similar to destroying one the United States National Parks. This would be similar to demolishing Mount Lemmon in Tucson, Arizona. Although not seen by many as a major landmark, to those from Tucson Mount Lemmon is a key cultural element and changing it would not be taken to well by Tucson locals. Although this topic may not have a direct impact on everyone it still can affect us all through job opportunities, learning possibilities and much more.