More than 100 protestors gathered in opposition to the construction of a giant solar telescope on Haleakala, the sacred volcano on the Hawaiian Island of Maui, reports the Washington Post.
Six were arrested—two women and four men. One of those arrested had to be driven to the emergency room.
The coordinators of the protest emphasized the nonviolent nature of the demonstration, according to Science. “When in doubt, chill out,” organizer Kaleikoa Kaeo advised to protestors.
However, he also stressed the importance of this movement. “If we cannot protect our sacred places, don’t even think you’re free,” he said.
Around 40 police officers met the protestors who were blocking the vehicles carrying a mirror and other equipment essential for the telescope’s development. They chanted and sang in Hawaiian and threw themselves under the enormous trucks.
Despite resistance from both Native Hawaiian and environmental groups, construction of the telescope has continued over the last five years. It is expected to be the largest and most powerful telescope in the world, costing $340 million, reports Maui News. It is projected to be finished by 2019.
Two years ago, a protest against the telescope was successful in forcing a delivery vehicle to turn away. Other protests and a state Supreme Court ruling have stalled the construction of a second telescope on the sacred land of Mauna Kea.
Protecting the land is not only a spiritual effort, it is also an integral part of the Native Hawaiian movement for autonomy.
“This struggle is going to go on for generations. It’s not going to stop with us,” coordinator Kahele Dukelow told protestors. “We will never accept it.”
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