Breaking News
Letters to the Editor

Book details king’s desire to establish an observatory

1 min read

Remember when? In the book "Hawaii's Forgotten History" by Rich Budnick, it said that on July 6, 1979, "America's largest infrared telescope is dedicated on Mauna Kea. The 120-inch telescope costs $10 million. On November 22, 1880, King (David) Kalakaua said he wanted to establish an observatory in Hawaii."

King David was a progressive leader who removed the kapu on hula dancing, chants and mele; we celebrate this with the annual Merrie Monarch Festival. He founded a Hawaiian language newspaper, helped introduce the ukulele, rebuilt the Iolani Palace and directed casting of the King Kamehameha I statue. His other accomplishments established the importance of the people of Hawaii.

Dennis Lokmer

Makawao

Starting at /week.