Jason Momoa Joins Hawaiian Protesters Ahead Of His 40th Birthday

As Jason Momoa celebrates his 40th birthday, he's also celebrating a sacred mountain that Hawaiians are trying to protect.

Protestors Fighting Telescope Construction

Momoa and thousands of others are protesting the building of a 30-meter telescope on Mauna Kea's summit.

The actor joined them Wednesday -- protestors' 17th day of blocking a road to the construction site where there are plans for a large-scale telescope.

Mauna Kea Is Highly Regarded

Protest groups don't want to see a telescope atop Mauna Kea because they feel the land is sacred, while the group Thirty Meter Telescope is seeking the location because it's apparently the best place in the Northern Hemisphere.

'Not Going Anywhere'

Momoa, who turns 40 today, told the crowd: "We are not going anywhere."

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is also taking part in the protests, saying the fight is much bigger than any one person:

"It's bigger than a telescope. It's humanity. It's culture."

Momoa Brought His Family

Momoa brought his kids -- Nakoa-Wolf and Lola-- who were both wearing native flags to protest the plans.

There is some good news, as Hawaii News Now reports that a two-year extension has been granted that will postpone construction until 2021.