‘This is our chance’

LIHUE — A massive march to support protesters of the Thirty Meter Telescope at Mauna Kea is planned for Sunday in Lihue. More than 1,000 people are expected.

Danny Hashimoto said tentative plans call for a march up Rice Street.

“Lihue is good because it is central, and we have locations to park and gather at the Vidinha Stadium,” he said. “We also have a county property we can rally at the end of the march route in the lawn fronting the Historic County Building.”

He said tentative plans call for an 11 a.m. gathering at Vidinha with the march starting at noon.

A county spokesperson confirmed Tuesday that a march is planned Sunday along Rice Street and said police will be assisting with the road closure.

At least four rallies were held last week on Kauai.

“We’re trying to unite people,” said Pualani Rossi-Fukino, a Hawaiian studies instructor at the Kauai Community College.

Rossi-Fukino said Sunday’s rally attracted several hundred people to the Waikaea Boat Ramp, or more commonly known as Lihi Park.

A much bigger gathering is expected this Sunday.

“We’re also raising awareness of what is happening at Mauna Kea,” he said. “We would like to support those whose family obligations and finances don’t have an option to demonstrate their support. This is a way of supporting the people at Mauna Kea.”

Participants of the March for the Mauna carried flags, signs, and offered chants.

Joseph Rapozo, his family in tow, said “This is our chance to show aloha.”

“It’s amazing how this thing is now worldwide. This is not only about the telescope, it’s about humanity; about what is left for us,” he said. “We’re going to imua all the way.”