The Hawaiian elders awaiting trial for protesting the world’s largest telescope

More than 30 elders were arrested on Mauna Kea in 2019 in dramatic scenes, but many are still waiting for their day in court

On a cold morning in July 2019, more than 30 Native Hawaiian elders gathered on top of a mountain, committed to getting arrested.

I wasn't afraid," says 83-year-old Maxine Kahaulelio. The moment when the kahea [the call] went out, they said the big machines were coming and they were going to start the desecration ... We stood there from 2:30 in the morning ... freezing, 9,000 feet above sea level. They had all their gear but we didn't have anything, just blankets and sweaters."