Press Release - 7/18/19

PRESS RELEASE

Friday, July 18, 2019

We anticipate that Governor David Ige will soon deploy the Hawaiʻi National Guard in conjunction with other Hawaiʻi law enforcement agencies to use military force to remove us from our peaceful assembly at the entrance of the Maunakea Access Road. In addition we are preparing for an unlawful eviction of the kiaʻi who have come to seek refuge and shelter at the Puʻuhonua o Puʻuhuluhulu. As Kiaʻi of Maunakea, we have peacefully assembled here in Kapu Aloha to protect against further desecration of our sacred lands. Our presence here is a religious, cultural and political stand against the building of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) upon environmentally pristine land atop the summit of Mauna Kea.

We are guided by the principles of Kapu Aloha and Non-Violence. Since we began our protection work on Monday, July 15, 2019, all of our actions have been grounded in Kapu Aloha. At this point, we have no other choice but to stand between Maunakea and the potential desecration and environmental destruction. We assert our rights to free speech and to peacefully assemble here. Furthermore, we will continue to defend our rights as kanaka maoli to steward, access and protect our lands.

Governor Igeʻs decision to deploy the Hawaiʻi National Guard, which includes the threat of implementing military tactics and violence upon a peaceful assembly of Hawaiʻiʻs own people, will escalate this encounter. This unwarranted military mobilization proves the ineffectiveness of Igeʻs leadership and his unwillingness to recognize the tremendous potential for physical and social harm he poses to Hawaiʻiʻs own citizenry.

We pray and ask that Governor David Ige repeal his decision to implement military tactics upon this peaceful gathering and to recognize the value Kapu Aloha as a means to promote a more equitable and just future for Hawaiʻi.