Mele on the Mauna

""The author explores a major conflict between scientists and local activists in the construction of a massive, environmentally questionable telescope on the sacred site of Maunakea, Hawai'i. It features the presence of local music as part of the protests, and discusses the power of that music in building solidarity, inspiration, and activism. The manuscript does an excellent job of centering the islands in the ocean, bringing the reader into a local perspective. It also reveals the multiple perspectives of the concerned parties to show how each side benefits from the presence (and/or exploitation) of the mauna, even as it is clear where the author's priorities lie." - Sean Williams, author of Musics of the World In summer 2019 music was essential in the defense of Maunakea while a group of kia'i (protectors) including kānaka 'ōiwi (Native Hawaiians) and their allies demonstrated against the proposed construction of the Thirty-Meter Telescope (TMT). Musicians flocked to the mauna (mountain) to perform for the kia'i and a worldwide audience via social media. Haku mele (Hawaiian language composers) created new songs at unprecedented levels, releasing a lot commercially with proceeds benefitting organizations providing support services and supplies to the kia'i. Mele on the Mauna uses over 30 of the author's own interviews with individuals who have participated in musical activities on and around this movement, recorded interviews conducted with kia'i, their supporters, officials from the state and university, and representatives from the TMT organization, indigenous Hawaiian concepts and theories like mana (power), mo'okū'auhau and pilina (genealogy and relationships), kapu aloha (discipline), and aloha 'āina (love of land, patriotism), and western academic concepts like connectedness and community building, poetics, sound(ing) and silenc(e/ing), conflict, and creativity. The book revels in the most contentious confrontations about protecting Maunakea and the outpouring of musical performances and creativity that occurred"--