But as was pointed out, there is more than the financial side...

I honestly do have respect for the native culture- I find their religion to be as valid as any other- ie just another way for humanity to try to make sense of the natural world the best they can without science, and actually educational- The stories of Pele's coming to the island seem like a metaphor retelling of the native hawaiians voyage here...

I find it fascinating to imagine what the first Hawaiians found here- Snow, and molten rock... and nearly every single climate in between... Things that were unimaginably alien to them...
It had to be an interesting time...

It would be nice if everyone saw how valuble the telescopes are, but I guess I can understand the resentment some have- I personally dont think it is rational, but it is understandable... I guess it all depends on your priorities...