TMT Case Study
by UCSD AS Office of Environmental Justice Affairs
Find a fun Canva version here:
Why is it important?
The ancestral lands of native Hawaiians are being attacked in the name of science. These effects on indigenous communities are a symbol of historical inequality in Hawai’i. The invasion of Mauna Kea is one of many seizures of land from Native Hawaiians. The main issue with this land specifically is its immense spiritual value for native Hawaiians. They see Mauna Kea as a realm of Gods, offering a connection between “creation and creator.” The president of one of the main groups opposing the TMT, Mauna Kea Anaina Hou, states “Mauna Kea contains some of our highest born and most revered ancestors. It is a symbol of peace and aloha” (Cuddy 2019). Considering the immense environmental degradation the construction of TMT will cause, it is understandable that Native Hawaiians are distraught.
Despite the long list of conservation efforts TMT has proposed, the fact still remains: environmental degradation will happen. The construction of this telescope will lead to the destruction of 1.4 acres of sacred land. The thirteen other existing telescopes on Mauna Kea have altered the mountain’s geology and negatively impacted animal habitats. TMT officials have tried to minimize environmental effects by “choosing a site where few animals might be affected, building a double-walled septic tank to handle all wastewater, and committing to using less hazardous chemicals in the observatory” ( Hofschneider 2015 ). However, the observatories have a history of “accidentally spilling sewage and chemicals- past incidents have ranged from small indoor mercury spills that were cleaned up quickly to up to 1,000 gallons of sewage seeping into the ground in 2008” (Hofscheider 2015). This brings to question whether these chemicals should be on the land in the first place. These spills are not only affecting sacred land, it could also seep into the Mauna Kea aquifer and affect neighboring communities. Taking precautionary measures are necessary to ensure the safety of local communities and the preservation of sacred sites. As it pertains to the impact on wildlife, Mauna Kea is home to many unique ecosystems and rare species- some of which are on the endangered list (Kahea ). Disturbing these ecosystems can be detrimental and result in a loss of biodiversity. Thus, the construction of TMT would further desecrate the mountain resulting in negative effects to its surrounding environment and native species.
What are the issues?
It is important to clarify that (some) Native Hawaiians are not completely opposed to the telescope itself or the research that it would bring, but rather the placement atop Mauna Kea, especially if there are other sites proposed (Daily Cal 2021). However, the occupation of the existing telescopes and the new proposed TMT is just another chapter of the US colonial and imperialist hold on Hawai’i. The telescope is just another example of how, to the western world, science and technology are prioritized over Indigenous life. This is a land sovereignty, land back issue.
How is UC invested in TMT?
As students of UC San Diego, we have a right to see where school funds are being allocated, especially when these funds are threatening Indigenous communities. “The UC system has invested more than $68 million to the telescope” (De Paul 2020). They pride themselves for the scientific advancements this could bring.
Last summer, the Associated Students of UC San Diego’s Office of External Affairs drafted a statement to the UC Board of Regents calling for UC to divest from this project.
“The project stands in blatant violation of multiple articles in the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. […] The UC partnership and participation in the TMT project not only violates these provisions, but also underscores the University of California’s continued disregard towards indigenous populations” (Lin 2020).
What can you do?
Follow @protectmaunakea on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on their latest events and important information regarding the movement and share on your platform about Mauna Kea.
Share and read the statement created by the AS UCSD Office of External Affairs
Donate to Mauna Kea land defenders:
