In April 2019, Executive Committee of the ASA published a statement in support of the kiʻai of Mauna Kea that endorsed “sustainable models of Indigenous stewardship” and criticized academic endeavors that seek justification through “the logics of settler colonial science.” In that regard, we stand with those “respecting Kānaka Maoli genealogical ties to Mauna Kea.”

Since that statement was published, the Governor of Hawaiʻi announced that construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope would begin and that the protectors from Mauna Kea could be subject to violent removal and arrest. We are writing you all today to ask you to help in whatever way you can, whether it be financially or otherwise, with the protection of Mauna Kea.

While the ASA does not solicit funds for third parties, many of our members are involved in a wide range of efforts to support the kiaʻi (protectors), who have established Puʻuhonua O Puʻuhuluhulu (a place of refuge) at the base of Mauna Kea. They have advised those seeking to supports these efforts to see the following websites for more information:

• The KAHEA Legal Defense Fund:  Funds frontline logistics, including provision of bail where appropriate, supplies, transportation, technical services, and community meetings convened for such purposes.
• HULI–– The Hawaiʻi Unity and Liberation Institute:  directly supports nonviolent direct action training and action support for the protection of Mauna Kea. See their Facebook here.
• The Hawaiʻi Community Bail Fund:  funds the bail for many of the kiaʻi (protectors) arrested for civil disobedience.