"Mauna Kea is a burial ground," Pisciotta added. "It is considered the holiest of the holies because by ascending it one ascends into higher consciousness. It was the meeting place of the original earth mother and sky father." Pisciotta questioned the scientists about the desecration of her own family shrine on the mountain. She lamented that "scientists claim to respect our beliefs, but they do not manifest this in their behavior."

Pisciotta and others documented a variety of violations by the observatory and forms of cultural abuse. She posed a question, which was among many to go unanswered: "In order to achieve the goals of science, are you willing to override cultural and religious practices?"

"If this plan it approved, it could open the way for twice as much development on the mountain," Pisciotta noted. "The public would never approve such development. The l983 Master Plan limited the number of telescopes to 13. The university is attempting to mislead the public. They need to follow the rules and have a public hearing."

"Mauna Kea is of value to everyone, Hawaiian or not," declared Mililani Trask. "It is a unique environment and a precious place, not just for astronomers, but for all of us." Pisciotta also affirmed that the gifts of Mauna Kea and Hawai'i should be available to all.