Department of Land and Natural Resources

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR

SUZANNE D. CASE CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release October 28, 2017

 

STATEMENT FROM BLNR CHAIR SUZANNE CASE ON PROTEST AT LAND BOARD MEETING CALLING FOR BOARD MEMBER RESIGNATION

BLNR Chair Suzanne Case issued the following statement today about protesters at Friday’s Land Board meeting calling for Board Member Sam Gon’s resignation:

“Sam ‘Ohu Gon is held in the highest respect by innumerable people.  As a scientist and as a recognized expert in native Hawaiian traditional and customary practices, Sam brings tremendously valuable perspective and integrity to the Land Board decisions.  No Land Board member is appointed as a representative of or advocate for any particular group.”

“It is disappointing and frankly offensive that some who disagree with the Land Board’s recent decision on the TMT telescope choose to aim personally at ‘Ohu or any board member.  This is not peaceful protest.  We must simply reject this kind of divisiveness in Hawaiʻi as well as nationally and globally, and practice respect in our public discourse no matter our views.”

Out of respect for the contested case process, the Land Board members have agreed not to discuss the TMT decision until the appeal period has run next month.

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Media contact:

Deborah Ward
Hawai‘i Dept. of Land and Natural Resources
Communications Specialist
(808) 587-0320