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 … [Read more…]
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, … [Read more…]
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 … [Read more…]
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 … [Read more…]
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 … [Read more…]
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 … [Read more…]
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. … [Read more…]
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 … [Read more…]
“Sustainability” and “buying local” are more than just buzzwords here in Hawaii. They are the key to a healthy, environmentally friendly future in which we can become less dependent on imports and better stewards of our ‘aina. But choosing sustainable, local options is not always easy, particularly when it comes to seafood. Competing facts, studies … [Read more…]
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 … [Read more…]