Support Rally on Maui Amid More Mauna Kea Arrests, Haleakalā Convoy

Demonstrations continued at Mauna Kea on Hawaiʻi Island today (6/24/15) with 11 more people arrested. Photo credit: Te Rawhitiroa

By Wendy Osher

A rally and aloha ‘āina night vigil will be held at the Central Maui Baseyard tonight in support of those who are protecting Mauna Kea from construction on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, and ongoing issues surrounding development at the summit of Haleakalā on Maui.

The vigil comes amid ongoing demonstrations and new arrests at the Mauna Kea site where the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope was scheduled to resume construction. The demonstrators are part of an ongoing effort by cultural groups and concerned citizens seeking protection of the site from development.

The vigil also comes as a wide-load convoy makes it way from the Central Maui Baseyard to the summit of Haleakalā to deliver equipment for the Daniel K Inouye Solar Telescope on Maui.  Organizers say the construction on Maui continues despite appeals in court.

Organizers from the vigil here on Maui say they are putting the call out for all who support aloha ‘āina to gather for a peaceful evening with pule (prayer), oli (chant) and sign waving in support of Haleakalā and Mauna a Wākea.

Organizers are asking those in attendance to wear red, wear kihei or malo, bring signs, pū, pahu, flashlights, water and snacks.

The vigil is scheduled to start at 8 p.m.  A live stream of tonight’s vigil will be available at the following direct LINK.