On this Day in Kiaʻi History: April 2, 2015

Ten years ago today the first arrests were made on the mauna as kiaʻi blocked the road to prevent construction and to protect Mauna Kea. Kānaka and allies across the islands and around the world began to rally behind the movement to protest TMT. 

From Protect Mauna Kea in 2015:
“On April 2 2015, there were four waves of arrests of Aloha ʻĀina Patriots  on the mauna as kiaʻi blocked the road to prevent construction and to protect Mauna Kea. The first wave of arrests happened on the paved county road. The next wave of arrests occured above on the gravel road. The third and fourth waves of arrests happended at the piko kapu, the summit. There were 31 total arrests  made that day. The feeling at the Hilo Cell Block when the aloha ʻāina patriots were released was uplifting, each kanaka standing firm in their aloha with a deepened sense of commitment to our mauna.”

It  was a proud day for the lāhui Hawaii. The day before that stand, all of the protectors were blessed in the crosswalk in a pipe ceremony by Chief Caleen Sisk of the Winnemem Wintu and the following day after the arrests was filled with music celebrating the life of the mauna and the lives of the people. We were not defeated then and we are not defeated now. 

Video  footage from Standing Above the Clouds, a documentary that follows mothers and daughters  and their journey in protecting the mauna. Visit their website for updates on future screenings,  to request a screening, and any other info regarding the film.  

Mauna Kea Memorable Moments is a project of Mauna Kea Education and Awareness. MKEA will post moments throughout the year so please follow and participate with photos and posts of your own memorable moments and experiences. Together, we will remain encouraged, inspired and activated for Mauna Kea and all of Hawai’i. Mahalo.

Bonus memory:  Listen to Lanakila recount April 2, 2015 and how our brave Aloha ʻĀina warriors called out to one another and banded together to protect Mauna Kea from desecration. Lanakila reminds us that the movement isn’t just about stopping desecration but restoring the mauna, and asking the question of what is it that we want for the future of the mauna.