Video courtesy ‘Olelo Community Media, file video by David Corrigan
HONOLULU, Hawaii – Scotty Paiva, the chief ranger for the Office of Mauna Kea Management, testified before the Board of Land and Natural Resources on Friday concerning the ongoing blockade of the Thirty Meter Telescope on the mountain.
Paiva spoke in support of new emergency rules restricting access to parts of the mountain.
Paiva detailed months of interaction with the self proclaimed protectors of the mountain. He said rangers have been focused on safety, resource management, and social impacts. He said OMKM has lost two highly qualified rangers since the encampment began, saying workers on the mountain felt “threatened and didn’t want to report to work”.
Paiva also talked about the need to grant rangers police authority. Rules for law enforcement powers are currently being formulated.
DOCUMENT LINK: Ranger reports March – July 2015 (prepared by Mauna Kea rangers)
by Big Island Video News
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STORY SUMMARY
HONOLULU - Scotty Paiva, the chief ranger for the Office of Mauna Kea Management, testified about the ongoing situation on the mountain involving the roadblock of the Thirty Meter Telescope by those opposed to the project. Paiva spoke in support of new emergency rules restricting access to parts of the mountain.