Astronomers are not happy with how cultural practitioners and environmentalists describe them. "It annoys me to see astronomers portrayed as tyrants who exploit Mauna Kea. That's very unfair," commented Caltech cosmologist Richard Ellis. "We're searching for truth and knowledge. We don't need to apologize." But a l998 state audit on summit management supported many of the Hawaiians claims. It accused the observatory of neglecting historical, cultural, and natural resources on the mountain.

While catching prawns in a cool mountain stream on Lang's ancestral land under the volcano, where at least four generations of her family have lived, her photographer/gardener husband Macario commented, "There have been documented toxic spills at the observatory. We are concerned that the spills have or will pollute these pristine waters."

"In public hearings the observatory denied even using mercury," Pisciotta noted. "But on a site visit we saw a sign saying 'Mercury Spill Kit Room.' Mercury is needed to float the optical and infrared telescopes. Now they admit to at least four toxic mercury spills. Aluminum is also used on the mirrors for reflection." Such heavy metals can seriously contaminate waterways and create a variety of hidden damages to human, animal, and environmental health.