Will you stand with me tall like our Mauna
Donation protected
Aloha Kakou,
I am Kahu Richard Maele DeLeon, a Native Hawaiian protector, ordained minister and one of the 33 Kupuna (elders) that was arrested for peacefully protesting against the TMT (Thirty Meter Telescope) project on Mauna Kea where our sacred land, culture and way of life is being threatened. It was true heartbreak experiencing being arrested and seeing the anguish on the faces of my people as we were led or carried away by armed police. All for exercising our cultural rights and trying to preserve what is sacred to us.
My whole life, I have been fighting for Native Hawaiian rights. I have dedicated my life, while trying my best to uphold the ideals of Kapu Aloha (A state of peaceful protest and higher moral intent), in order to preserve and protect our culture, our land and our beliefs. It is my true passion; my higher calling. I have answered the call to action decade after decade and I will continue to do so as long as I am alive to do it.
I was there to take a stand for Kaho’olawe as one of the original protestors who fought (and won) against the military bombing of that sacred land. I was there as a protector on Mauna Kea in 2015 when we stood against the building of the TMT the first time. So when the call to action came again, to stand up and protect our sacred Mauna Kea once more from the greed and corruption that is trying to desecrate our land, of course I needed to be there.
Some have the misconception that the protectors of the mountain are just protestors who have nothing better to do with their time. That we are jobless and homeless. This is not true. We are all making great sacrifices to be there for our people…taking vacation days, sick days, or even unpaid time. I have a tour company on Maui and have been sacrificing making a living to stand and protect Mauna Kea, because that’s how important this is to us all. If we don’t stand up for what is right, we stand to lose everything.
It is for these reasons, I am humbly asking for your help in supporting my efforts to continue protecting our sacred mountain and native cultural practices and beliefs. Many beautiful and kind people, friends and strangers alike, have been asking me how they can help, so I would greatly appreciate any contributions to this important cause and/or sharing my campaign. All funds will be used for my travel and court costs on September 20th while I am away from Maui standing strong with the other Kupunas and supporters. The world is truly watching. Mahalo (thank you) for your support.
Ku Kia`i Mauna!
Kahu Richard Ma`ele DeLeon,
Protector of Mauna A Wakea (Mauna Kea)
I am Kahu Richard Maele DeLeon, a Native Hawaiian protector, ordained minister and one of the 33 Kupuna (elders) that was arrested for peacefully protesting against the TMT (Thirty Meter Telescope) project on Mauna Kea where our sacred land, culture and way of life is being threatened. It was true heartbreak experiencing being arrested and seeing the anguish on the faces of my people as we were led or carried away by armed police. All for exercising our cultural rights and trying to preserve what is sacred to us.
My whole life, I have been fighting for Native Hawaiian rights. I have dedicated my life, while trying my best to uphold the ideals of Kapu Aloha (A state of peaceful protest and higher moral intent), in order to preserve and protect our culture, our land and our beliefs. It is my true passion; my higher calling. I have answered the call to action decade after decade and I will continue to do so as long as I am alive to do it.
I was there to take a stand for Kaho’olawe as one of the original protestors who fought (and won) against the military bombing of that sacred land. I was there as a protector on Mauna Kea in 2015 when we stood against the building of the TMT the first time. So when the call to action came again, to stand up and protect our sacred Mauna Kea once more from the greed and corruption that is trying to desecrate our land, of course I needed to be there.
Some have the misconception that the protectors of the mountain are just protestors who have nothing better to do with their time. That we are jobless and homeless. This is not true. We are all making great sacrifices to be there for our people…taking vacation days, sick days, or even unpaid time. I have a tour company on Maui and have been sacrificing making a living to stand and protect Mauna Kea, because that’s how important this is to us all. If we don’t stand up for what is right, we stand to lose everything.
It is for these reasons, I am humbly asking for your help in supporting my efforts to continue protecting our sacred mountain and native cultural practices and beliefs. Many beautiful and kind people, friends and strangers alike, have been asking me how they can help, so I would greatly appreciate any contributions to this important cause and/or sharing my campaign. All funds will be used for my travel and court costs on September 20th while I am away from Maui standing strong with the other Kupunas and supporters. The world is truly watching. Mahalo (thank you) for your support.
Ku Kia`i Mauna!
Kahu Richard Ma`ele DeLeon,
Protector of Mauna A Wakea (Mauna Kea)
Organizer
Richard Ma'ele DeLeon
Organizer
Kahului, HI