Leonardo DiCaprio, the Hollywood actor and environmental activist, has been a vocal supporter of the Mauna Kea protesters in Hawaii. The protests started in 2019 when the state of Hawaii approved the construction of a massive telescope on Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano and sacred land for the Hawaiian people.
The Mauna Kea Telescope
The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) is a proposed astronomical observatory that would be built on the summit of Mauna Kea. The telescope would be one of the largest in the world and would allow astronomers to observe the universe with unprecedented clarity. However, the construction of the telescope has been met with strong opposition from Native Hawaiians who consider the summit of Mauna Kea to be a sacred site.
The Protests
The protest movement, also known as the "Protectors of Mauna Kea," started in July 2019 when construction crews attempted to access the summit to begin work on the telescope. The protests have been ongoing since then, with activists setting up a camp at the base of the mountain to block construction crews from accessing the site.
The protesters argue that the construction of the telescope would desecrate the sacred land and harm the fragile ecosystem of the summit. They also point out that Mauna Kea is already home to 13 other telescopes and that the construction of the TMT would be yet another example of the exploitation of Native Hawaiian land and culture.
Leonardo DiCaprio's Support
Leonardo DiCaprio has been an outspoken supporter of the Mauna Kea protesters, using his platform to raise awareness of the issue and call for a halt to the construction of the telescope. In July 2019, he posted a message on Instagram in which he wrote, "Standing with the protectors of Mauna Kea in Hawaii. The construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope threatens to irreparably damage this sacred site and further degrade the planet."
DiCaprio has also donated money to the cause, with his foundation, the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, contributing $100,000 to the Mauna Kea Legal Defense Fund. In addition, he has joined other celebrities, such as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Jason Momoa, in showing support for the protesters.
The Future of Mauna Kea
The future of Mauna Kea remains uncertain. The state of Hawaii has suspended construction of the TMT until further notice, and a court case is currently underway to determine whether the construction of the telescope is legal. The protesters continue to maintain their camp at the base of the mountain, and the issue has sparked a larger conversation about the protection of Native Hawaiian land and culture.
Leonardo DiCaprio's support for the Mauna Kea protesters has helped to bring attention to the issue and raise awareness of the importance of protecting sacred sites and indigenous cultures. His involvement has also demonstrated the power of celebrity influence in shaping public opinion and driving social change.