Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain in the world, resides on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is a sacred site and burial ground for ancient Hawaiians.
There is a current threat of an 18 story telescope observatory being build on a foundation the size of a football field on top of Mauna Kea and on this sacred site. The local Hawaiian community is shocked and activated by this. They have organized and created a peaceful encampment at the base of the mountain blocking the access road since the summer of 2019 and there is no end in sight. The protestors consist of many of the island's most powerful Kapunas (wise elders) carrying Hawaiian wisdom and culture with them. Many elders have ben arrested holding the front lines. Hope went to spend time at Mauna Kea to stand in solidarity together and bear witness to this powerful indigenous community standing up for their rights and culture.
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