Woman Cited For Graffiti On Rocks At Mauna Kea

Thirty Meter Telescope opponents condemned the vandalism as desecration.

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(AP) — Authorities have found the woman suspected of painting graffiti on a mountain held sacred by some Native Hawaiians.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources said Tuesday the Native Hawaiian community helped officers contact the woman, who was issued a citation.

Graffiti was found on rocks last month in the Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Reserve Area. There was also graffiti on a portable restroom and other areas of Mauna Kea.

Protesters have been fighting to stop the Thirty Meter Telescope from being built on the mountain. Protest leaders condemned the vandalism, saying it amounts to desecration.

The state released a photo showing rocks painted with the words “stop” and “bombing.”

Graffiti found painted on rocks on Mauna Kea on Friday, April 28, 2017. Department of Land and Natural Resources

Protest leaders say that likely refers to efforts to stop the military from using Pohakuloa Training Area.

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