June 2, 2011 - Posted by Staff - 2 Comments
Connecting Communities, Promoting Healthy Living, Preserving the Environment
The notion of a bike path is not new to Hawaii. In fact, the state has had a Bike Plan since 1977. Construction of Kauai’s bike paths began more recently, in 2000. And now, after three years of planning, the North Shore of Kauai will finally be getting a bike path of their own.
In a nation where obesity and heart disease are some of the most common health threats, and in a state with reduced energy consumption goals set forth by the Clean Energy Initiative, the North Shore Kauai Bike Path is offering one more way for residents to stay healthy, reduce fuel consumption, and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.
Of course, nothing worthwhile comes easily.
May 29, 2011 - Posted by Staff - 2 Comments
Developer D.R. Horton-Shuler Homes is calling the planned Ho’opili housing community “a walkable, sustainable community”. But the very plan to build a community on the site of the world’s best farmland is in itself in direct conflict with the notion of sustainability.
In order to build the 12, 000 home Ho’opili community, the ‘Ewa area farms currently operating there will be shut down and the prime A and B agricultural soils – deemed by Dr. Goro Uehara, Professor of Soil Science at the University of Hawaii, as the best in the world – will be excavated.
In a state where less than 15% of the food we consume is actually produced here, and at a time when the cost of oil continues to increase the cost of imported goods, working toward sustainability should mean cultivating and supporting local agriculture, not covering our best farmlands with more housing developments.
D.R. Horton-Shuler is touting the “thoughtful planning” they claim has gone into Ho’opili. But their lack of concern for valuable farmlands, traffic, and the future of the island of Oahu is anything but thoughtful.
Developers claim the project will create jobs. But for whom? There is no guarantee that these jobs will be given to local people.
May 20, 2011 - Posted by Staff - 4 Comments
In an effort to reach the goals set by the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, it can be expected that sacrifices must be made by all residents to reduce our energy consumption. We must do our part to change our habits and become energy aware. Turning off the AC, carpooling, and replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs are some sacrifices we may make. But one sacrifice we should not be forced to make is forfeiting lands and livelihoods on Molokai and Lanai to massive, costly wind farms.
Governor Abercrombie disagrees. When Boston-based wind energy company, First Wind, failed to come to an agreement with Molokai Ranch regarding the land they need to get the $3 billion project off the ground, Abercrombie reminded Molokai Ranch that the state has the power of eminent domain. He threatened to exercise that power to condemn the Molokai site, take the land and turn it over to the “Big Wind” project.
Eminent domain allows the government to take private land for public use, with compensation and without consent. Is it fair to consider it “public use” if the public is strongly against the designated use?
Abercrombie doesn’t seem concerned with what is fair. And Molokai Ranch is feeling the pressure. Following the governor’s threat and the failed attempt with First Wind, Molokai Ranch began negotiations with San Francisco-based wind and transmission company, Pattern Energy. But a deal has yet to emerge. Tensions are growing, many Molokai residents are holding firm their “not in my backyard” (NIMBY) stance, and supporters of Big Wind are surfacing.
May 15, 2011 - Posted by Staff - 1 Comment
The state may not have money to burn. But we do have eucalyptus.
The fast growing, flowering tree was introduced to Hawaii nearly 150 years ago and is now being tested for use as an alternative energy source. Just last week, the state’s sole coal-fired power plant, AES Hawaii, Inc. began adding eucalyptus chips to its coal supply, in order to test its ability to create energy. AES found that the eucalyptus chips boosted the AES plant’s output from 180 to 185 megawatts. And that extra five megawatts is enough to power 5,000 homes on Oahu per year.
Several of the tree’s natural characteristics make it a viable and renewable resource. Eucalyptus not only grows quickly but also regenerates, producing a high yield of wood in a short period of time. In addition, it burns freely, leaves little ash, produces good charcoal, and it is drought tolerant and frost hardy. Of course, for the eucalyptus being grown and harvested on the Big Island, drought and frost are not much of a concern. But the plant’s ability to withstand extreme conditions is testament to its strength and thus its reliability as an renewable source of energy.
Critics are questioning the environmental and economic costs of growing, harvesting, and burning eucalyptus for energy.
May 13, 2011 - Posted by admin - 0 Comments
Through its Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative, Hawaiian Legacy Hardwoods (HLH) is donating 1,000 acres of its 2,700 acre sustainable koa project to reforestation.
Located on the slopes of Mauna Kea, this historic site was once a majestic koa forest and the personal property of King Kamehameha I. Sadly the land was cleared nearly a century ago to make room for farming and ranching. Fortunately, some of the old growth koa trees still reside on the property. HLH is utilizing these trees as the seed source for all Legacy Trees in an effort to return this tropical forest to its former glory.
Koa is a magnificent and revered native tree found nowhere else on Earth. This prized wood was once reserved for Hawaiian Royalty. When the outside world discovered this magnificent wood they applied western methods of harvesting-clear cutting more than 90% of all forests. Through the efforts of Hawaiian Legacy Hardwoods and other caring individuals like you, these incredible trees are making a comeback. These trees belong to all generations, and with your help we can save Hawai’i’s forests…one tree at a time.
The ultimate goal of HLH is to create a sustainable model that inspires others to come together to take action. By increasing awareness for how the simple act of planting a tree has a huge impact on our environment , HLH, with partners like you, can change the face of the Planet.
May 10, 2011 - Posted by Staff - 0 Comments
While many cultural communities around the globe are being divided by developers and swallowed up by the tides of globalization, one community right here in Hawaii is offering hope – and a real life vision – of what sustainable cultural communities can look like.
Just last month the Kaupuni Village dream became a reality, as the first net-zero energy and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) platinum-certified housing subdivision in the country was officially dedicated in Waianae Valley.
The Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL), in support of its mission to “partner with others towards developing self-sufficient and healthy communities” designed and created this self-sustaining community with the help of many individuals and organizations – including the Consuelo Foundation, Group 70, Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO), the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Kai Hawai’i (structural engineers), Albert Chong Associates, Inc. (electrical engineers), and Randolph H. Murayama & Associates, Inc. (mechanical engineers) – and funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, University of Hawai‘i, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the Hawai‘i Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, Kamehameha Schools, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Ka‘ala Farms.
Now 19 families will work together to build community connections and become stewards of their land and culture.
May 6, 2011 - Posted by Staff - 2 Comments
Lanikai Beach is often described as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The Big Island’s Kamilo Beach holds a far less complimentary title: Hawaii’s dirtiest beach. It didn’t earn that name on its own and residents fear it will be a long time before Kamilo Beach can ever shake the lousy label.
Just what could cause a beach in paradise to become so undesirable? It seems a combination of carelessness and natural disasters is a recipe for rubbish.
Due to its location, local ocean currents, and strong winds, Kamilo Beach, has become the dumping ground for the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a man-made mass of mostly plastics and garbage that is estimated at twice the size of Texas and floating somewhere between Hawaii and San Francisco.
In addition to the waste carried on currents to Kamilo, Honolulu Civil Beat found evidence of local leftovers – including plastics, sauce packets and cigarettes – on a recent visit to the beach.
April 30, 2011 - Posted by Staff - 0 Comments
Haleakala has long been revered as one of the most sacred sites in all of Hawaii. Here, it is said, that the demigod Maui lassoed the sun, and the goddess Pele once made her home. Here also lies a culturally significant trail, now being heavily disputed.
For centuries, Hawaiians have visited this wahi pana (sacred place) to meditate, conduct cultural and spiritual practices, and seek spiritual wisdom. One of the primary paths – the original route – was Haleakala Trail. The trail is held by the state and should be accessible for all to continue to enjoy. But three miles and Haleakala Ranch are standing in the way, preventing us from walking in the footsteps of our ancestors.
April 23, 2011 - Posted by Staff - 2 Comments
Across the nation, gas prices continue to climb, surpassing previous records and creeping closer to the $6 mark. At an average of $4.51 per gallon of unleaded, gas here in the Aloha state is the most expensive in the country. Residents of the island of Molokai have been paying $5.16 per gallon since last Tuesday, and officials predict that prices may very well reach $6 per gallon by summertime. While this is certainly not good news for our wallets or the economy, it could be good news for the planet. A spike in gas prices forces consumers to more consciously consider their gas usage and even seek alternatives. Although we have little control over the cost of gas, there are ways we can reduce our gas consumption, save some money, and help the planet.
Don’t skip your auto appointments
One of the easiest ways to make the most of a tank of gas is by keeping up with required and recommended maintenance. In the same way that our bodies function most efficiently when we keep them healthy and get regular check ups to catch any abnormalities, our automobiles function most efficiently when we take proper care of them. Even something as simple as properly inflated tires can reduce the amount of gas your automobile requires.
Drive as if your Drivers Ed teacher is in the car
Another easy way to make your gas go further is to drive the speed limit, give yourself plenty of space between your car and those in front of you, and remove any unnecessary heavy items from your car. Driving just five miles over the speed limit, breaking hard, and transporting heavy items guzzles more gas.
April 20, 2011 - Posted by Staff - 0 Comments
Earth Day is a chance to come together with your community, celebrate the earth, exchange conservation ideas, and commit to living a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. This week there are ample, island-wide opportunities to do all of that and more. Here are just a few:
If you’re on the Big Island…
Saturday, April 23, 2011 is the big day.
UH Hilo will host its first Earth Day Festival at the College of Agriculture’s Panaewa farm, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Festival planners and presenters will not only talk the sustainability talk through activities, educational booths, and farm tours, but they will also walk the walk and demonstrate sustainable practices by providing a free shuttle service from the campus to the farm and by utilizing Zero Waste stations where volunteers will sort trash produced by the event. Paper products will be added to the farm’s compost piles, food waste will be given to the farm’s pigs, and cans and bottles will be donated to the Agriculture Club for redemption.
Keauhou Beach Resort in Kailua-Kona will also host an Earth Day event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Earth & Ocean Festival will highlight the island’s natural and cultural treasures through informative presentations and engaging activities, such as “tide pool adventures” and poi pounding. Local food and entertainment, including a free concert by HAPA will also be available. Attendees are encouraged to ride their bicycles to the event and receive free valet parking at the resort.
If you’re on Kauai…