"Educational Signage"

Visited Mauna Kea today to find new signage at the front of the Visitors Center. It is blatantly abusive of the State, The University of Hawai’i, and the Office of Mauna Kea management to use our cultural knowledge, ancestral stories, language, and spiritual connection as “educational tools” while in the same breath refuse to listen to living Kanaka ‘Ōiwi when we say no to the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on the Northern Plateau for all of the reasons that are listed on their brand new “educational signage.”

It was triggering to see these signs right across from same place I got arrested at for protecting these stories, sacred knowledges, and sacred places. It disgusts me that they use our culture this way and then weaponize it against us in the court system and on the frontlines. I’m angry and I also know how to channel this feeling into action thanks to the 12 years we have had to stand to protect Mauna Kea from future desecration.

This of course is happening the same day that Mauna Kea will get new management - keep in mind that all board members still need to be approved by Ige so you know what that means.

Either way, I’ll see you on the Mauna.

#protectmaunakea