There's a lot about Hawaii that annoys us; insane traffic, escalating crime rates, the cost of living, overcrowded everything, homelessness, rising property taxes, etc. But as far as climate and culture go, we're all so very fortunate to live here ... very fortunate. Between the consistently balmy weather and the shared Aloha, the great food and natural splendor, there is much our people are blessed with. We should all consider these saving graces as the offset for all the rat-race concessions we have to endure, as they impart on all of us an immeasurable non-monetary wealth. Sure, on occasion and in the process of going about our mundane daily activities, it can be quite easy to take them for granted. But as the world around us becomes increasingly troubled, the people of Hawaii seem to have rallied together and become more protective of the things that make our island home so special.
Kauwalu O' Ekolu in all it's glory (Photo: Hawaii Coastal Geology Group)
My favorite place to be is where the ocean, land, and sky come together, or "Kauwalu O' Ekolu (Place of Three)", and there's really no better place on Earth than in Hawaii to immerse oneself there. Where these elements converge, there exists an intrinsic kinetic energy that you can almost feel coursing through your body. It's the ultimate natural high, and the perfect setting in which to decompress and recharge. Unfortunately, it's an extremely fragile setting, and its healing properties are increasingly at risk.
Having surfed for over three decades, I've had ample time to see and feel a palpable, detrimental effect on just this tiny little corner of life in Hawaii. In the 1970's, it wasn't uncommon to be in the water with just a handful of people, in clean water, just off a pristine beach. I've been fortunate enough during this time to have experienced many amazing things in and around the ocean. I can only imagine what I may have missed over the years and what future generations may miss in the future.
Nature's largest creatures are also it's most vulnerable (Photo: HawaiianSwell)
If there is a negative aspect to all the great things about Hawaii, it's that many others from outside our tiny state want a piece of it too, a big piece, and this leads to mushrooming populations, invading big business interests, urban-based pollution, and all the other trappings and resource strains that come with them. Of late, the real environmental lightning rods have been commercial corporations' attempts to develop and/or privatize open coastal areas on Oahu, Molokai, and Maui. Through the concerted efforts of grass roots conservation and environmental organizations, big-money commercial resort and/or luxury residential projects were either terminated or suspended at Honolua Bay on Maui's northwest corner, Laau Point on Molokai, and the majestic Pupukea-Paumalu Bluffs overlooking Oahu's North Shore. The Kawela Bay and Kewalo Basin controversies remain largely unresolved, and there is little to indicate that the ubiquitous threat of so-called "progress" will diminish anytime soon, if ever.
Kawela Bay today. Imagine this pristine setting blotted out by several thousand hotel rooms, a golf course, parking lots, concrete walkways, and limited public access. (Photo: Hawaii Coastal Geology Group)
Unfortunately, many people feel that if they aren't directly involved with an organized conservation movement, they cannot contribute on an overt level and therefore are incapable of assisting. Very much to the contrary, it will ultimately be the collective efforts of individuals who will make the most significant, though incalculable, contribution to the environment. We can each kokua on a personal level, by starting with something as small as picking up a few pieces of trash, diligently recycling household items, plucking a few cigarette butts out of the sand, or properly disposing of discarded plastics and chemicals you find. Take the time to educate others (locals or visitors) on the importance of doing so, and report any illicit environmental violations you may encounter. Just get involved. To find out more on the whole movement, here's some helpful links you can check out;
Hawaii's beloved Honu have enjoyed resurgent populations as a result of stronger federal protection. (Photo: HawaiianSwell)
Hawaii's precious environment nurtured an entire indigenous civilization, and continues to provide sustenance and a cultural identity for its people today. It wouldn't be too forward to say that it is our fiduciary duty to give back, and we can never miss an opportunity to help keep her clean, protected, and accessible. Our ocean, land, and sky... very much worthy of being protected in our own time and for future generations.
