2 ms·

The main problem here is one of incentive. Of course the researchers, university departments, contractors, etc want to build it. But who benefits? A very small

The main problem here is one of incentive. Of course the researchers, university departments, contractors, etc want to build it. But who benefits? A very small number of people. All the locals get is: more traffic, more pollution, more waste, all of which are a direct result of the construction itself plus the increase in visitors. Plus, the locals feel this is imposing on their scared grounds. Again, without ANY benefit to them. I talked to one person at the protests, who said "The researchers don't want light pollution. We don't want telescope pollution."

goodcanadian 7y ago
Again, without ANY benefit to them. There is a large benefit to the locals in terms of jobs both during construction and after. Yes, the researchers are not local, but the engineers, technicians, maintenance staff, and so on usually are. Astronomy is the second largest contributor to the economy on the Big Island (after tourism).
- PopePompus 7y ago
  It also significantly diversifies the economy. Tourism is cyclical. Astronomy research may have booms and busts too, but they are apt to be uncorrelated with the ups and downs of tourism.
  - mcgoooo 7y ago
    This is quite literally the best place to study stars in the whole world. Economically sure, not a lot of people may benefit, but scientific knowledge the whole world benefits
underbluewaters 7y ago
It could be a major source of pride. Having lived on Hawaii for a few years... there is not a lot going on. Tourism is by far the biggest employer and focus of development, with agriculture far behind. Hosting such an important scientific endeavor is a major achievement. I appreciate and empathize with the Hawaiians who see this project as a focal point of resisting so many offenses. It's also sad that such a great project (peering into the origins of the universe!) can't find a home there.
wtdata 7y ago
The all mankind benefits from increasing our knowledge about the universe.

goodcanadian 7y ago

Again, without ANY benefit to them. There is a large benefit to the locals in terms of jobs both during construction and after. Yes, the researchers are not local, but the engineers, technicians, maintenance staff, and so on usually are. Astronomy is the second largest contributor to the economy on the Big Island (after tourism).

PopePompus 7y ago
It also significantly diversifies the economy. Tourism is cyclical. Astronomy research may have booms and busts too, but they are apt to be uncorrelated with the ups and downs of tourism.
- mcgoooo 7y ago
  This is quite literally the best place to study stars in the whole world. Economically sure, not a lot of people may benefit, but scientific knowledge the whole world benefits

underbluewaters 7y ago

It could be a major source of pride. Having lived on Hawaii for a few years... there is not a lot going on. Tourism is by far the biggest employer and focus of development, with agriculture far behind. Hosting such an important scientific endeavor is a major achievement. I appreciate and empathize with the Hawaiians who see this project as a focal point of resisting so many offenses. It's also sad that such a great project (peering into the origins of the universe!) can't find a home there.

wtdata 7y ago

The all mankind benefits from increasing our knowledge about the universe.