TMT protesters seek probe of alleged police misconduct

Pu‘uhonua o Pu‘uhuluhulu Maunakea, leaders of the protests on Mauna Kea, are calling for a federal investigation into the state’s enforcement of Thirty Meter Telescope opponents and asking for the removal of a Hawaii County police officer who they said spread misinformation.

Protesters released a video statement Tuesday alleging that the state is using enforcement tactics that “harass, intimidate and vilify Mauna Kea protectors.” They provided a list of so-called “questionable” law enforcement actions, including the use of sobriety checkpoints, more vehicles parked in and around the blockade, and complaints of high beams and a low-flying helicopter over the kupuna camp.

They also provided the media with video and audio evidence of what they allege is a Hawaii County police officer providing false information to Mauna Kea protester Michael Glendon “in an apparent attempt to provoke him to retaliate against two supposed informants in our puuhonua.”

Video courtesy of Pu‘uhonua o Pu‘uhuluhulu Maunakea