Summary

In 2018, the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) was given final approval to be built on Maunakea, the tallest mountain on the island of Hawaiʻi, and a site sacred to Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians).  In July 2019, as construction materials were set to be transported to the summit, Kānaka Maoli kiaʻi (protectors) blocked the Mauna Kea Access Road to prevent construction from commencing.  On the third day of the blockade, police were given orders to arrest anyone blocking the road and 36 kūpuna (respected elders) were arrested.  All kiaʻi at the Mauna Kea Access Road were under a strict order to practice Kapu Aloha.  Kapu is a Hawaiian word with multiple meanings, but in this instance “sacred” is the most on point.  Kiaʻi were ordered to practice “sacred” aloha, showing nothing but love and compassion for all, even those perceived as their enemies.  As their 36 respected kūpuna were arrested, all of those in attendance sang and chanted as tears flowed down their cheeks, with some keiki (children) even giving leis to the officers who were arresting those they love and revere.  Although there were hundreds of kiaʻi blocking the road that day, only 36 were arrested, largely because the officers (many of whom were Native Hawaiian) were moved with compassion and could not continue.  To this day, nearly four years later, construction of TMT has not begun on Maunakea and the kiaʻi are determined that it never will.  Non-violence has long been taught as a social action strategy, but Kapu Aloha takes that strategy further.  While non-violence is often effective in preventing the escalation of a conflict, Kapu Aloha has the potential to change hearts and minds and end conflicts peacefully.  

Keywords (separate with commas)

social action, Native Hawaiian, Kānaka Maoli, Kapu Aloha, non-violence, indigenous, sacred, kiaʻi