Protecting Our Natural Resources

A History of Commitment

Talk Story: Toward A Greener Future

Introduction – Guided By Island Values
     The fact that we live on an island brings an awareness of certain physical constraints front and center in the decisions we make every day.  This fact also correlates with fundamental ecological principles that pose inescapable consequences if not heeded – some of which loom large now for our nation and indeed the planet!  From our host culture, the kanaka maoli, we take inspiration from a heritage of generations that lived in productive harmony on these islands.  And, to our own kupuna who raised their families with time honored values – hard work, resourceful ingenuity and doing with what they had, our pride is evident in even the most modest of homes.  On an island we cannot forget that our resources are finite and are limited.  One of our key challenges going forward is to once again learn to live within our means.

Land Use Principles
     Caring for our natural resources begins with the recognition and respect for some of the most progressive land use laws ever written in the nation.  Constantly tested by the pressures for ‘bottom line’ considerations, island leaders are often tasked with re-fashioning projects in accordance with ‘smart growth’ principles that are more sustainable and more in harmony with island values.  Taken together these values reflect a new ‘triple bottom line’, with returns benefiting the public and the environment as well as investors.  We think Hawaii deserves nothing less and stand ready to assist in development that will truly serve our people and indeed do honor to the land itself.

Sustainable Ag Land Use
     From ancient Hawaiian lore we understand that in times past, Waipio Valley was considered a bread basket for the islands.  Because of wise leadership and skilled farmers, the bounty of just this one district alone could make up for shortages of taro, breadfruit, and sweet potato due to droughts or calamities in other parts of the land. So too today, in Hawaii Senate District One, the largest active agricultural region in the State, the opportunities to realize the benefits of diversified agriculture are still present but require wise and effective leadership.

     A good conservation ethic naturally lends itself to smart land use policies regarding our important agricultural lands.  We must support existing farmers as well as encourage and educate the next generation to take up the challenges of making a decent living on these lands.  To that end, we have emphasized the development of the necessary infrastructure to support agriculture and make these lands flourish.  In particular, water resources such as the historic Hamakua Ditch System have been improved over the years to bring this essential element to farmers and ranchers.  Along with finding and supplying new clean water systems in these rural areas, such public improvements generally help create a more stable base from which to build toward a statewide goal of food self-sufficiency.

Education – Key To Sustainable Ag
     To provide the skills and opportunities for our next generation of farmers, ranchers and resource managers, further investment in public institutions will be required.  Working through the education committees at the legislature we have sought to expand facilities and programs in the State’s educational institutions.  Support for the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources translates into important research and outreach functions serving the agricultural community.  And envisioning the changing needs of the community led us to find the resources to create the North Hawaii Education and Research Center with much needed programs geared to adults changing careers and ‘life long learning’ opportunities.

     Added to this picture are many exciting innovations taking place around our islands in elementary schools, some of which incorporate a deeper appreciation of traditional Hawaiian culture.  One showcase example of the Charter School movement is the Kanu o Ka ‘Aina facility in Waimea.  Here, even the construction of the buildings reflects traditional designs and techniques and presents lessons within a living laboratory educational environment.  The students are directly involved in ‘a learn by doing process’.  And this proven learning style is one that our keiki respond to instinctively with enthusiasm.  Like the young taro leaves bending toward the sun, Hawaii’s keiki can look toward the sun for a future harvest that may now include photovoltaic energy!

Waste Management
     One important measure of how we care for our environment is how we manage our so-called waste; so-called because as the saying goes, ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’.   When we look to nature we see that waste as such does not exist.  It seems that every thing is food for something else.  Recently a challenge was aired publicly to adopt a goal of ‘Zero waste’.  Key to advancing this ‘Zero-waste’ concept is unlocking the doors to imagination and stimulating the entrepreneurial spirit of our people.
 
     And indeed this change is now starting to happen.  All we need are more incentives to put our people’s inventiveness to work on this problem.  With the advent of several re-use centers around the island residents have begun to re-learn some of the values from ‘Tutu’s’ generation.  Among them the notion that some things are worth fixing!  And the potential to convert much of East Hawaii’s ‘green waste’ into valuable compost for the soil starved regions of the West side should have been a ‘no-brainer’ years ago.  In the meantime, ‘Reduce, Recycle and Re-use’ is here to stay.

Protection Of Natural Resources
     Hawaii has earned the dubious distinction of being known as the endangered species capitol of the world!  This solemn circumstance creates a great responsibility for us as stewards of these living treasures to keep them safe and thriving.  We will continue to make funding available to worthwhile conservation projects and protect Hawaii’s endangered species from the scourge of invasive plants, animals and pathogens.  To that end we recently formulated a plan to pay for more inspectors at points of entry within the State to bolster our first line of defense against unwanted pests that threaten our native species and our agricultural crops.

     In another example, in Kohala we helped secure an appropriation for the Hawaii Wildlife Center, which will provide healing services to native birds and animals.  Increasingly, such public-private partnerships are playing a greater role in cultivating respect and expanding the care needed for endangered plants and wildlife.

     Also of monumental importance is the State’s ‘Legacy Lands’ legislation recently enacted to create a dedicated source of funding to preserve lands for watershed protection, coastal preservation, parks, habitat protection, cultural preservation, agricultural production and to maintain open space and scenic resources.   At last open space preservation and the procurement of important conservation lands will no longer have to suffer the vagaries of fiscal boom and bust budgets.

     Recognizing the basic ecological services that intact native ecosystems provide, progressive Democratic leadership in Hawaii has brought forth new institutions that provide financial incentives to protect our remaining forests and establish tree planting programs with the added benefit of helping to lessen global warming.  We think globally and act locally.

Special Places For Us All
     Our special places, whether deep within the remote reaches of Waipio valley, the heavenly vistas from atop Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, the plethora of ancient Hawaiian shrines or just the plain good fun to be had at one of our popular beach parks, all require the daily attention of dedicated caretakers.  The State must do its part to find and keep highly motivated workers in these areas.  As well, we recognize and appreciate the benefits of many unsung volunteers who continually pitch in for community clean ups or who help combat the scourge of invasive species in these special places.  This volunteer spirit too is a part of our island culture and is nurtured by caring and compassionate leaders.  

Fulfilling The Promise
     Whether by the power of individual conscience or pressured by the forces of global change, the people of Hawaii are moving toward a greener, more sustainable future.  We must continue to find the ways that keep us grounded in our island cultures and island values.  Adopting the State’s Sustainability 2050 plan was a step in the right direction. It is the job now of our State leaders to facilitate and help direct these changes in consonance with these values, especially through the powerful public institutions that play an essential role in our lives.  We are ever linked: one island, one people, one family.