Kū Kia‘i Mauna A mau loa aku

8 years ago today
This was the first large community showing in opposition of the proposed Thirty Meter Telescope Project. It was the first time we gathered together like this to begin in protocol and ceremony before going into court. It was the first time we adorned in traditional regalia to present our case.

I can still remember the moment Keali‘i Bertelmann secured my kākua around my waist, I had never felt stronger and more prepared to stand for the mountain I love. I can still remember the sound of the pū calling to the four directions. I can still remember the reverberation of the pahu calling the ancestors to stand with us. I can still remember the mana of our voices chanting together.

I will never forget the moment the students of Kanu o ka ‘Āina stood up with their hei above their heads in the Mauna symbol when our family went up to support Uncle Kalani as he spoke in front of the Board of Land and Natural Resources about the sacredness of Mauna Kea. It still brings tears to my eyes.

And it is because of our collective love for our land that 8 years later, we are still here, still chanting, still dancing, and still standing.

And 8 years later and TMT is still not built.
I celebrate that every day.

Kū Kia‘i Mauna
A mau loa aku