Hi, I'm Dan Pramak, host of Axios Recap.

Today, we're bringing you the latest episode in our special hard truth series on structural racism.

I'll now turn it over to my colleague, Naila Boodoo.

Good morning. I'm Naila Boodoo.

We're here with you on a Saturday with the latest episode in our special monthly series called

Hard Truths, examining systemic racism in the U.S.

Today, inside the fight to build a $2.4 billion telescope on the highest mountain in Hawaii.

For astronomers, it would mean the chance to answer deep questions about the universe.

Scientists see this site as a perfect scientific place for them to be.

For indigenous Hawaiians, it would mean the desecration of sacred land.

Building a massive structure on monarchy is not something that aligns with my beliefs.

More than a thousand structure and monarchy is not something that aligns with my beliefs.

More than a thousand years ago, Polynesians look to the sky and the stars to find their way.

Without any instruments or maps, those stars eventually led them to Mount Achaia on the islands of Hawaii. At almost 14,000 feet above sea level, the dormant volcano

is the highest point in the state of Hawaii, which makes it a coveted place for astronomers.

But it's also a deeply sacred place for native Hawaiians. They see the mountain as the place

where the earth meets the sky and the point where the islands of Hawaii formed.

There are also already 13 telescopes on Monockeia, three of which are in the process of being decommissioned.

Astronomers have been trying to build this new 30-meter telescope on the mountain since 2014.

The opposition from indigenous Hawaiians isn't just spiritual. It's also about what they see

as the continued disrespect of their lands and their concerns. In this case, in the name of a

massive telescope that they say won't benefit them in any tangible way. And many Native Hawaiians

...