1. Is modern astronomy consistent with native Hawaiian culture?
James explained that in his view modern astronomy is consistent with native Hawaiian culture. Historically, Hawaiians have embraced astronomy.
For example, in 1779 Captain James Cook was given permission by the chiefs and kahuna to establish the first western observatory at the Hikiau Heiau.
2. Does TMT have the legal right to begin construction at Maunakea?
Yes. All appeals have ended and TMT has the right to proceed, after a decade of litigation. There are no further legal obstacles to the right to begin construction.
3. What is the true nature of the TMT protests?
James cited it as an example of "movement politics." As such, the protests are not concerned with compromise or accommodation. They are about obstruction. Period.
The strategy, he explained, is to conflate historic grievances with TMT. Many Hawaiians believe that foreigners have taken advantage of Hawaiian values. Through "a hundred years of tears" and a loss of political control, Hawaiians have suffered disproportionately in many ways. This protest uses claims sacredness to cut off debate and conflate unrelated issues. The modern claim of sacredness has no support in the historic record, he explained.
4. What are the consequences should TMT succeed or fail?
The loss of TMT funding would mean harm to Hawaiians, through the loss of $1 million/year over 50 years, the loss of jobs, the loss of $200,000 a year in rent to OHA, and the loss of the opportunity to study and work with scientists such as Nobel laureate Dr. Andrea Ghez.
However, if TMT fails, not a single native Hawaiian will benefit.
As a closing thought, James reminded us that Hawaiians used the stars to navigate when Europeans were afraid to travel out of sight of land.