Sustainable tourism development and Hawaiian cultural preservation on Kaho'olawe

Hawaii

Support and maintain Hawaiian Culture

When considering the opening of the island of Kaho'olawe to more tourism, the Hawai'i Tourism Authority should first focus on the development of an educational center. This educational center will concentrate on the illustration of the culture, customs, beliefs, and norms of the natives of Hawai'i. Only from a firm foundation in cultural awareness and respect can a sustainable future for tourism development take place on the island of Kaho'olawe. The success of the educational center will lead to programs in sustainable tourism and sustainable development on Kaho'olawe.

Supporting and maintaining Hawaiian culture in tandem with developing the island reflects the traditional concept of the relationship between the human being and the environment. Hawaiian culture does not view people as a problem but instead "acknowledges that people are part of the living universe, with clear responsibilities to nurture the land in a reciprocal and sustainable manner," ("Hawaiian Culture and Conservation," 2012). There are three prime objectives in the development of Kaho'olawe for tourism. Those objectives include the building of infrastructure in accordance with traditional Hawaiian values and land-use concepts, the creation of the educational and cultural center, and the maintenance of a regular and reliable transportation service linking Kaho'olawe with Maui.

Our target markets are families, active people, backpackers, scholars, professors, students, environmental cautious people, and other individuals interested in a different authentic vacation in Hawai'i.

Objective 1: Building the Infrastructure

It is essential to create a viable infrastructure that can support our educational tourism project. However, infrastructure development must proceed sensitively and in accordance with traditional laws and customs regarding land use. Consultation with Hawaiian people about sacred territories will be considered when developing and maintaining the infrastructure.

Strategy 1: Create power source

As of yet undeveloped, Kaho'olawe currently has no power sources. Power generation can come from a combination of sustainable methods including geothermal power for mass production, and solar and wind power for smaller scale use at the tourism facilities.

Strategy 2: Create a fresh water source

Without water, there is no life. Kaho'olawe sustained the life of the first settlers to the island in spite of the fact that fresh water is scarce due to the rough volcanic terrain. However, a tourism program will require a sustainable fresh water sourcing system. The planning process should focus on creating a freshwater source, which could entail a multitude of methods including rainwater collection and treatment; as well as a desalination system. A reliable source of local drinking water will minimize or eliminate dependence on bottled water.

Strategy 3: Create sewer system

In addition to fresh water concerns, the island will also require a comprehensive wastewater treatment system. Wastewater treatment systems and their maintenance are critical to promoting health security and safety, and thus essential for the development and growth of the area. In keeping with the principles of sustainable development, a gray water program will be instated on Kaho'olawe for the purposes of landscape management and other purposes.

Strategy 4: Create roads

Before the educational center can hope to have a steady stream of tourism revenues, the island will need some sealed roads. Therefore, one of the first large-scale engineering and development projects to take place on the island of Kaho'olawe is to design its roads. The design of the roads should occur in accordance with land-use principles. The roads will be built with safety first in mind, and also with practical needs such as the need to access specific sites of ecological or cultural interest. Many visitors will remain on the sealed roads that will be constructed to serve Kaho'olawe. However, the island must refrain from becoming over-developed. Therefore, it is essential to keep the number of paved roads to a minimum to discourage overuse of motor vehicles on the island.

Most tourists will prefer to visit the areas that are accessible via paved road because of the minimal difficulties and minimal damage to their vehicles. Paved roads will enable the tourism authority to reduce the cost of transportation in the long run, by allowing for more independent travel. Moreover, paved roads will invite a greater number of tourists and lead to increased tourism revenues.

Strategy 1: Building the center

Building the center using local materials and sustainable construction techniques is the cornerstone of the tourism development project. A sustainable development approach will also focus on the improvement of the region through the creation of employment opportunities for the natives of Hawai'i. Only those developments that are essential will be built, to prevent mass tourism that would adversely impact both environment and culture of Kaho'olawe.

Strategy 2: Build the campground

A campground provides the best means for guests to be one with nature and enjoy the scenic beauty the island has to offer. The facilities will include primitive camping for those who prefer solitude and complete extrication from civilization, but will also include luxury camping options for those who prefer it. Mixed facilities will attract the broadest possible target market, and allow the island to develop organically in resonse to the varying demand of its diverse consumer base.

Strategy 3: Create Food and beverage facilities

Food and beverage facilities will be simple but in tune with the needs of tourists. Local foods will remain the core emphasis, including seafood dishes such as poke, as well as local plant food sources. Vegetarians will always be catered to at the tourism facility.

Objective 3: Access to the Island

The cultural education center is useless without a means to get there. Access to the island of Kaho'olawe will be passenger ferries. The two primary strategies include building the dock, and planning the ferry system to and from Maui.

Strategy 1: Create a ferry dock

The current docks are for small private fleet only, and cannot yet accommodate the needs of a growing facility. Therefore, it is essential to build a dock to accommodate for future influx of tourists. The dock should be large enough to account for future growth as well as cargo ships, but designed with maximum aesthetics and environmental sensitivity.

Strategy 2: Create ferry rides from Maui, Hawaii

To get visitors over to the island, there will be regular ferry service from Maui. The service will be reliable, with a timetable posted on the Internet. The service will currently be offered only to passengers and not to vehicles except commercial vehicles necessary for our facility. We want to keep the impacts on the environment as low as possible to reflect our sustainable awareness.