Native Hawaiians brace for military assault as they protect Mauna Kea by Pu'uhonua o Pu'uhuluhulu Maunakea

Photo by Cody Nemet Tuivaiti

Aotearoa is in the house Photo by Cody Nemet Tuivaiti

Pu'uhonua o Pu'uhuluhulu Maunakea

Friday, July 18, 2019

We anticipate that Governor David Ige will soon deploy the Hawaiʻi National Guard in conjunction with other Hawaiʻi law enforcement agencies to use military force to remove us from our peaceful assembly at the entrance of the Maunakea Access Road. In addition we are preparing for an unlawful eviction of the kiaʻi who have come to seek refuge and shelter at the Puʻuhonua o Puʻuhuluhulu. As Kiaʻi of Maunakea, we have peacefully assembled here in Kapu Aloha to protect against further desecration of our sacred lands. Our presence here is a religious, cultural and political stand against the building of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) upon environmentally pristine land atop the summit of Mauna Kea.

We are guided by the principles of Kapu Aloha and Non-Violence. Since we began our protection work on Monday, July 15, 2019, all of our actions have been grounded in Kapu Aloha. At this point, we have no other choice but to stand between Maunakea and the potential desecration and environmental destruction. We assert our rights to free speech and to peacefully assemble here. Furthermore, we will continue to defend our rights as kanaka maoli to steward, access and protect our lands.

Governor Igeʻs decision to deploy the Hawaiʻi National Guard, which includes the threat of implementing military tactics and violence upon a peaceful assembly of Hawaiʻiʻs own people, will escalate this encounter. This unwarranted military mobilization proves the ineffectiveness of Igeʻs leadership and his unwillingness to recognize the tremendous potential for physical and social harm he poses to Hawaiʻiʻs own citizenry.

We pray and ask that Governor David Ige repeal his decision to implement military tactics upon this peaceful gathering and to recognize the value Kapu Aloha as a means to promote a more equitable and just future for Hawaiʻi.
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Below: By Kahookahi Kanuha

From the Protectors:

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Aloha kākou here is a resource update for Thursday July 18th from volunteers at Pu'uhonua o Pu'uhuluhulu. We sincerely appreciate all the good fresh food and supplies everyone has been bringing that has nourished our bodies and spirits up here. We feel so well taken care of and supported. If you can kokua and bring any of these supplies, please bring it to the check in table in front of the main tent (close to the ranger station).

GENERAL
- 5 gallon water refills
- Instant Coffee
- Extension Cords
- String Lights
- Small Generator
- Rubbish pickers/claws
- Propane refill run

MEDICAL via Sharron Gonzalez Cushman
Milk of Magnesia (no flavors, no off brands with alcohol)
Flip top water bottles
GAS CARDS
Gift Cards to Target or Safeway
Exercise Mats/Camping mats
Large and small Sunscreen, sunscreen sticks
SPF chapstick
Hand warmers/body warmers, foot warmers
Emergency blankets
Chairs
Tables
Chemical and Shatter Resistant goggles
High Decibel ear plugs and ear muffs
10X10 (or larger) Shade tents
Umbrellas
Salves for pain, aches, sunburn
Basic first aid kits
Bandanas
Medical Gloves (size M & L)
Clean Blankets/Coats/Warm socks

DO NOT NEED
- Ziplocs
- Bottled Water
- Tinfoil
- Baby wipes
- Paper Goods
- Saimin noodles/cup noodles

On a side note, we heard Gov. Ige received over 200,000 emails yesterday expressing dismay for making the emergency declaration. The emergency declaration means he may suspend laws, use outside military force against the protectors, and force evacuations amongst many other flagrant abuses of power. Even in the face of this, we will remain peaceful and grounded in aloha. We know the world is watching.

Also see:
Live news coverage day four:
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z71wT-PL_nI&feature=share