July 15, 2019

July 15, 2019 – In the frigid morning air in the malu of Maunakea, kiaʻi rose from a short and restless sleep in the puʻuhonua to take station across the street and stand against whatever TMT construction vehicles tried to pass. Dozens of kūpuna lined their chairs across the road in the dark of the night. Dozens more held banners stretched across the entry point of the road. Others stayed prepared support provisions in the puʻuhonua. Aloha ʻāina who came up to provide media support got their cameras ready.

8 kiaʻi walked further up the road and chained themselves to the cattle guard rendering impossible for TMT construction equipment to move up the road. Those 8 kiaʻi laid across narrow iron grates for nearly 12 hours before the police stood down and guaranteed they would not be apprehended. These kiaʻi ranged in age from veteran Aloha ʻĀina in their 80s to young kanaka in their 20s and for each of them, the lockdown was an intense test of stamina and commitment.

This morning turn day was also the first formation of the kūpuna line. The kūpuna were resolute, determined, and while requiring help from kānaka kākoʻo in order to remain safe, they brought their koʻokoʻo, they lined up their chairs, they laid heavy blankets over their laps, and they sat 100% ready to face down large construction equipment transport vehicles.

Today we remember the songs of aloha ʻāina that joyfully lifted from the kūpuna line in early dark hours of the morning. We remember the physical and mental sacrifice that those who locked down to the cattleguard made that day. We remember the many, many kanaka who showed up and found a role, a way to support, a way to stand in defense, a way to help keep the peace, a way to provide physical and spiritual nourishment for others. This was the first day we all stood together as one to Kū Kiaʻi Mauna!