State Rejects Ho’oponopono Session

Several individuals arrested on Mauna Kea in early April for protesting the Thirty Meter Telescope project will no longer participate in the originally-planned Ho’oponopono session.

Ho‘oponopono, the traditional Hawaiian process to make right and heal difficult situations, was granted to several individuals in June.

The option was presented to 21 of those arrested in April during a court appearance in Waimea. Those that declined are scheduled for trial on December 3.

The group participating in the Ho’oponopono session originally had a meeting scheduled in August but no state representatives attended the gathering.

Joshua Wisch, special assistant to the Hawai’i Attorney General, gave the following reason why Ho’oponopono will not be used via email:

“Ho’oponopono was first raised several months ago, when the legal landscape was different. There are now cases related to Mauna Kea pending in multiple courts in multiple jurisdictions, enforcement actions have been taken and challenged, and additional individuals and groups with no connection to the defendants who first requested Ho’oponopono have asked to engage in a dialogue regarding stewardship of the mountain.  In light of these continuing changes, proceeding with Ho’oponopono for these individuals no longer seemed like a constructive option.”

According to a recent release, the Mauna Kea “protectors” arrested April 2 who are still seeking Ho’oponopono include Liloa Lavea, Danette Galdones, Moanikeala Akaka, Joseph Kualii Camara, Jim Albertini, Craig Neff, Gary Oamilda, Jerry Maloe, Eric Kaheakulani, Kepa Ka’eo.

Several other protectors were also granted a motion for Ho’oponopono, but dropped their effort “because of the lack of good faith by the other parties.”

According to Hawai’i County Prosecutor Mitch Roth, the decision means the individuals will have to head back to court instead.