The Sacred Summit of Haleakalā: A Battle for Protection or Progress?
The majestic peak of Haleakalā, a sacred site for Hawaiians and a treasure for the world, is once again at the center of a heated debate. The U.S. Air Force plans to build seven more telescopes on its summit, sparking opposition from those who consider the mountain a sacred space. But is this a necessary step for national security, or a continued desecration of a precious natural and cultural heritage?
The Air Force wants to construct and operate a Small Telescope Advanced Research (STAR) facility on the Air Force Maui Optical and Supercomputing Site (AMOS), also known as "AMOS STAR." The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) reveals that the proposed facility would consist of up to seven telescopes located on a "previously disturbed, less-than-1-acre site."
However, Hina Kneubuhl, a protector of Haleakalā, argues that the mountain has endured enough desecration. She believes that construction could harm endangered species like the ʻāhinahina, or Hawaiian silversword, and the ʻuaʻu, the Hawaiian petrel, which burrows underground to nest on the summit. Kneubuhl emphasizes the importance of protecting the summit spaces and endangered species, stating, "We’re standing for the protection of our summit spaces, of the top of Haleakalā, the piko of our mauna. We’re standing for the protection of endangered species like ʻāhinahina and ʻuaʻu, because they are kupuna to us."
The U.S. Space Force, however, maintains that communication with the community is a top priority. A spokesperson for the Space Force Combat Forces Command states, "Open communication with the Maui community and key stakeholders has been and remains a top priority throughout this process."
But Kneubuhl and other protectors of Haleakalā argue that the military needs to do a better job engaging with Native Hawaiians and Native Hawaiian organizations. They are calling on their community to make their voices heard at two public hearings this week to discuss the proposal. The first hearing is on Tuesday, February 17th, at 6:30 p.m. at the Kihei Community Center, and the second is on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani.
The battle for the sacred summit of Haleakalā continues, with the future of this precious natural and cultural heritage hanging in the balance. Will the military's plans for progress prevail, or will the protectors of Haleakalā prevail in their quest to protect the mountain's sacred spaces and endangered species?
