This is a four page paper. It is a continuation of another four page paper, and they are about developing an educational cultural awareness and tourism center on the island of Kaho'olawe on Hawaii. This paper is focused on the goal of developing the island and its tourism in accordance with traditional Hawaiian culture. Respect for culture and the environment are the themes, even as development of infrastructure is being discussed.
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.
Objective 2: Developing the Cultural educational center
Currently, there are no formal tourism facilities at all on the island of Kaho'olawe. Through effective marketing and advertising strategies, the proposed cultural education center will invite individuals across the globe to know the essence of Hawaiian culture by visiting the island of Kaho'olawe. Visitors to Kaho'olawe will improve their knowledge on the cultural aspects of the inhabitants of the region while enjoying the scenery and surroundings. An educational approach to tourism will focus on the promotion of the culture of the inhabitants through provision of relevant knowledge and information concerning the island of Kaho'olawe. Visitors, or edu-tourists, can choose among various cultural activities, workshops, and seminars. The facilities will expand in quality and quantity as the state of Hawaii receives return on initial investments.
At the center, visitors will meet with local Hawaiians who can teach them about Hawaiian history and help the visitors feel they are "sent back in time." Educational programs will be designed for all age groups, incorporating a wide variety of activities and multimedia. Most educational activities will take place outdoors, because few people visit Hawaii to stay inside. There are three main strategies for meeting the objective of the cultural education center: building the center, building the campground facilities, and offering food and beverage service.
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.
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