Protesters against the construction of a mountain top telescope recently asked that they get the option to participate in mediation instead of going to trial. They requested a specific type of indigenous mediation known as Hooponopo, which is an ancient Hawaiian method of forgiveness and reconciliation, used as an alternative to litigation.

 
In total, there are 21 people involved in the proceedings. Twelve of them are not eligible for Hooponopo and were charged later than the original group.

Hawaii Prosecuting Attorney Mitch Roth supports the motion requesting mediation.

Problems began when protesters blocked construction workers from accessing the site of construction on Mauna Kea’s summit. Workers were unable to move forward with the $1.4 billion project.

The reason the protesters took issue with the construction is because the mountain is considered sacred. It is still being debated whether or not Hooponopo will be used. Some believe the protesters could be subject to a combination of the religious practice and traditional mediation. Prosecutors say they are flexible and willing to consider the requests of the protestors. Hooponopo has been used in the past to settle disputes over religious matters that involve traditional Hawaiian culture, as well as in family court cases.

In the meantime, construction remains stalled and protests continue. The California Institute of Technology announced recently it plans to decommission its Submillimeter Observatory next year and some believe the telescope project will never be completed. Provided protesters continue to obey the law, the police plan to make no other arrests.