Tag Archives: Dawn Chang

Washington Place Reception for People Behind the Thirty Meter Telescope

On Friday I attended a reception at Washington Place, the governor’s mansion, given for the people behind the Thirty Meter Telescope.

Washington Place

It was great to get together. So many people worked so hard to accomplish what we did.

I remember Roberta Chu and I standing in the parking lot in the very early days asking each other: “Do you think we can do this?” We never looked back.

Roberta Chu, Barry Mizuno and Don StraneyRoberta Chu, Barry Mizuno and Don Straney

Henry Yang, President of the TMT Corporation, is a very special person. He flew in and out of the Big Island more than 15 times, and spent all of his time talking to the regular folks. He never once spoke to the press.

Henry YangHenry Yang

He learned firsthand that the lowest common denominator that folks on all sides of the issue could agree upon was keiki education, and so the TMT committed $1 million annually for keiki education on the Big Island.

All throughout the tough negotiations, this was completely off the table. No one could touch it, nor even think about touching it.

Jean Lou Chameau, Richard Ha, Henry YangJean-Lou Chameau, me, Henry Yang

Henry did not come into town telling everyone he was there to save them. He told them what was going to happen. But mostly he listened. And, slowly but surely, people started to trust.

Dilling and Henry YangDilling and Henry Yang, me

Roberta Chu, Dilling and Henry YangRoberta Chu greeting Dilling and Henry Yang

Henry Yang

Henry and I were like brothers during this project. He was the kind of guy I could do business with on a handshake. He and Jean-Lou Chameau, President of Cal Tech, are people persons. The right people at the right time.

Jean-Lou Chameau, president of Cal TechJean-Lou Chameau

I missed seeing my friend Dawn Chang. She and I worked very closely in the tough, early days.

Daniel InouyeSenator Daniel Inouye arriving

Senator Daniel InouyeSenator Inouye speaking

P1000223Senator Inouye, me, Henry Yang

Irene Inouye, MRC GreenwoodIrene Inouye and MRC Greenwood

Ka‘iu Kimura was very brave.

Mazie HironoRep. Mazie Hirono with TMT Board Members

Thirty Meter Telescope

Richard Ha, Rockne Freitas, Herring Kalua, Don StraneyMe, Rockne Freitas, Herring Kalua and Don Straney

And I learned an important lesson from Kumu Lehua Veincent. When I suggested to him that we try to get five “full-ride” scholarships to the best schools in the nation for Keaukaha kids, he asked me: “And what about the rest of them?” Of course he was right.

Thirty Meter Telescope, Washington Place

Barry Taniguchi, Carl Carlson, Jim Omura, Virginia HinshawBarry Taniguchi, Carl Carlson, Jim Omura, Virginia Hinshaw

Mike Bolte and Sandra DawsonMike Bolte and Sandra Dawson

Patrick Kahawaiola‘a told me something profound. He said that it’s all about the process. Then it dawned on me: “You have to aloha everyone, no matter on what side of the issue.”  

Aloha to the Kanaka Council and other folks like Kealoha, and Ku Ching, who do not agree. I’m pretty sure they know that we were trying to be pono.

Jim Omura, Virginia Hinshaw, Mark YudovJim Omura, Virginia Hinshaw, Mark Yudov

MRC Greenwood and Governor Neil AbercrombieMRC Greenwood and Governor Neil Abercrombie

Richard Ha, Greg Chun and Dennis HirotaMe, Greg Chun and Dennis Hirota

Jennifer Sabas, Roberta Chu and Mike BolteJennifer Sabas, Roberta Chu and Mike Bolte

Thirty Meter Telescope

Thirty Meter TelescopeDavid Lonberg, Carl Carlson, Doug Ing

Here are some startling facts about the Thirty Meter Telescope:

  • 9 times more light collecting area than a Keck Telescope
  • 12.5 times sharper images than we can get with the Hubble Space Telescope (This is amazing!)
  • Will be able to see through the universe back to the time when the very first stars and galaxies formed
  • Will be able to image planets orbiting other stars and to look for the signposts of life
  • Will be able to discover and study supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies throughout the Universe
  • Will be able to determine the nature of dark energy and dark matter – These are key to determining the ultimate fate of the Universe.

Dawn Chang as Candidate for Kamehameha Schools Trustee

Dawn Chang is one of three candidates for a position as Trustee for Kamehameha Schools.

I have written about Dawn here before, recently when she was a consultant working on the Comprehensive Management Plan for Mauna Kea.

That was a controversial and very difficult situation, with extraordinarily strong feelings on both sides, and she really impressed me under fire. She did not falter. She just focused on pono and let the chips fall where they may. She even endured someone cursing her children’s future kids.

But, nevertheless, by the end of the long process, some of the most skeptical folks – the ones who were strongly against the Thirty Meter Telescope – called her “Sistah.” This is why we became friends for life.

The Court required candidates to demonstrate expertise in one or more of the following areas:
•    Business administration
•    Finance and investment
•    Strategic planning and policy setting
•    General areas of interest including education, law or governance

As well as possess the following:
•    A recognized reputation of integrity and good character
•    The capacity to fulfill the responsibilities of a fiduciary under trust law
•    Respect for and from the community

•    Consistent and active leadership in the community with specific emphasis on issues impacting the well-being of the people of Hawaii

•    A formal education

•    Outstanding personal traits including Hawaiian values

I have no reservations at all in supporting Dawn for the position as Kamehameha Schools Trustee and I’m sending in my written support. If any of you that know Dawn’s work, character and integrity would like to do the same, written comments and/or expressions of support must be received by 4 p.m. on September 14, 2010.

Mail to: Kamehameha Schools Trustee Screening Committee
c/o Inkinen & Associates
1003 Bishop Street
Pauahi Tower, Suite 477
Honolulu, HI 96813
email: jobs@inkinen.com