Maui Supporters Collect Winter Gear for Kupuna and Kia‘i at Maunakea

Supporters of the ongoing demonstration at Maunakea collected winter gear for kupuna and kiaʻi during a drive held over the weekend in Kahului.

Organizers say more than 650 items were collected including 100 winter coats and jackets, as well as blankets, sleeping bags and gift cards, and a $1,000 anonymous contribution.

“With temperatures below 30 degrees at Maunakea, Maui supporters responded to a call by the Mauna Medic Healers Hui for winter gear,” said organizer Mahina Martin.

The donation from Maui was picked up in Hilo and delivered to the Hui on Sunday afternoon.

“We are truly grateful and touched by the generosity and aloha of Maui’s community,” said Kami Carter, alakaʻi of supplies with Mauna Medic Healers Hui. “It was amazing to see the truckload of boxes filled with winter gear arrive here at Maunakea today.”

The demonstration at Maunakea started 15 weeks ago as plans were announced that construction of the controversial Thirty Meter Telescope would begin. Those plans have since been postponed.   In July, the state issued a two-year extension to Sept. 26, 2021 on the deadline to initiate construction of the TMT project atop the mountain.

Opponents of the project believe that Maunakea is sacred and say construction atop the mountain will further desecrate the site.  Meantime, those in support of the Thirty Meter Telescope project say they believe in the co-existence of culture and science atop the mountain.

Volunteer Ashley Caris accepts donated items. Maui supporters collect and send over 650 items in drive to provide winter gear to kupuna and kia’i at Maunakea. PC: Mahina Martin.

Volunteers Carol Lee Kamekona and Nani Hiapo recieve a donation from Jeff Kekauoha-Shultz. Maui supporters collect and send over 650 items in drive to provide winter gear to kupuna and kia’i at Maunakea. PC: Mahina Martin.

Volunteers pack donated winter gear for shipping to Maunakea. Maui supporters collect and send over 650 items in drive to provide winter gear to kupuna and kia’i at Maunakea. PC: Mahina Martin.