With temporary construction of the postponed for a week the protest expands internationally through social media. Jason Momoa, Kelly Slater, Nicole Scherzinger, and others keep the cause alive online utilizing the tag #wearemaunakea . Next week, when construction begins and also the protests, the outcome remains unknown. The halt of construction comes during Hilo’s Merrie Monarch Festival. The largest gathering of native Hawaiians annually.
Kamalei Alexander. Photo Kaiwi Joe
Jason Momoa and Kala Alexander. Photo Kaiwi Joe
Eddie Rothman. Photo Kaiwi Joe
“They have responded to my request and on behalf of the president of the University and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs have agreed to a time out on the project, and there will be no construction activities this week,” Ige said at a news conference.