Snow on Mauna Kea

Snow isn't political, scientific, or cultural.  Snow JUST IS!  As you may have heard in the news lately, there have been some thoughtful and peaceful protests on the Big Island against the plans for a new telescope atop Mauna Kea.  It is not an easy issue to address.  It goes to the question not only of the sovereignty of the Hawaiian Kingdom, but of an issue facing many original people whose sacred lands are now considered (legally or illegally) federal land, state land, or private land.


Amidst some of the first court appearances for the arrested protestors, it seems like everyone is being forced to take a break for a few days -- protestors, contractors and scientists, who by the way had to be evacuated (along with the protesters.).

Scientifically, the weather patterns that prompted this unusual July snow are remnants of tropical storm Ela.  Culturally, Poli'ahu, Goddess of snow, ice and cold, may just be telling everyone involved to pause and take a breath.  These are not mutually exclusive concepts; they are different languages -- different ways to view and express human perspectives we can treat with respect, no matter our point of view.

Underneath a beautiful stand of ohia trees near the house we have planted a bed full of WHITE flowering plants as a tribute to Poli'ahu.  There are over a dozen kinds of flowers that bloom throughout the year including gardenias, iris, white Crown Flower (for the monarch butterflies) and my personal favorite, a miniature poinsettia with tight clusters of tiny white blossoms  that bloom for Winter Solstice.

(Both snow photos are views from webcams on July 17, 2015.)