In the field of astronomy, Maunakea is known as a prestigious site for observing and science. In Native Hawaiian culture, Maunakea is revered as the connection between past, present, and future ...generations and their ancestral lands of Hawai'i. We have reached a juncture at which it is necessary to allow and enable Native Hawaiians to pursue careers in astronomy, especially on Maunakea. This paper serves to tell the accounts of four Kanaka astronomers and raise awareness of the barriers they have faced while pursuing astronomy careers. The authors identify issues that the community faces due to the disconnect between astronomy and Hawai'i communities and propose resolutions to lead the way forward.
On the slopes of the Mauna Kea summit, the cold winds of Poli‘ahu whispered in the ear of Kia‘i, “It’s time.” Kia‘i opened his eyes to the flawless surface of Lake Waiau casting the perfect ...projection of the night sky. Burdened by the command given, Kia‘i rose and began to gather his ‘upena, fishing net, and waded into the glacial water towards the never-ending pattern of fish circling each other. He threw his net, encompassing and catching them perfectly, as he had done for many decades. Then, Kia‘i quickly ran the several miles to Lake Hūnā. He ran so swiftly