On August 12th, with no warning nor community outreach, AT&T's hired consultants showed up at the vacant lot next to the Sargents (the site of the proposed AT&T cell tower and telecommunications facility) to begin an archaeological survey. The consultants brought an excavator and started clearing. The community immediately intervened and requested to see the appropriate permits. Hawaiian cultural practitioners also responded quickly and were on-site requesting the excavator cease and desist due to the high likelihood of ancient Hawaiian iwi kupuna (ancestral bones) and burial sites being located on this property.
AT&T’s consultants could produce no permits and a standoff ensued. KPD arrived and after discussion, the consultants left the site. The next day AT&T’s consultants returned to continue their excavator work, but they were met with even more community members and cultural practitioners who linked arms and made a human chain across the property. The community contacted the State of Hawaii Historic Preservation Division and learned that all work on this site was to be done by hand, no machines were to be used due to the high likelihood of iwi kupuna. Also, no community consultation was conducted prior to the start of the archaeological survey, and there was no cultural monitor on site, both of which were required. Another standoff ensued, and AT&T’s consultants removed their excavator and left the site. To date, they have not returned.
On September 3rd, neighbors filed a lawsuit describing the illegal activity of the property owner and the irreparable harm the neighbors will suffer if the proposed cell tower and telecommunications facility is allowed to be built. The neighbors are seeking injunctive relief to stop further work and the termination of unpermitted activity by the property owner and AT&T.
Hopefully AT&T will read the writing on the wall and realize that this community will NEVER let a cell tower and telecom facility be built in our neighborhood among our homes. If AT&T continues to push for this ill-advised project, they will meet head on with a well-informed, engaged and cohesive community determined to protect our neighborhood and the cultural, environmental, and historical integrity of Hā‘ena.
Mahalo