Sustainable development and agriculture for Kaho'olawe Island

Hawaii

Sustain and develop the island

Limit impact on the environment (Sustainability)

Development does not need to conflict with the goals of environmentalism. Hawaii has a long history of suitable environmental custodianship, which can and should be extended to developments on Kaho'olawe. In fact, sustainable tourism programs were in place on Hawaii before the term "sustainable tourism" was popularized, over twenty years ago ("Sustainability"). Hawaii's tradition of sustainability stems deep into history, as "our culture has a historic reverence for sustainability as the lessons of our elders (Kupuna) continue to enrich our lives and protect and perpetuate our traditions and environment," ("Sustainability").

Currently, there are no formal systems in place whereby development on Kaho'olawe will remain measurably sustainable. It is therefore important to have distinct and specific measures for environmental sustainability as follows. The key to creating a sustainable development and land use program is to recognize that "important resources, infrastructure and social factors are impacted by tourism growth before limits are reached," (Lim, 2006). In other words, it is critical to continually monitor and measure the impacts of growth.

Core strategies for sustainable development in Kaho'olawe include the following:

1. Ample walking and hiking trails to promote healthy lifestyles and sustainable encounters with nature

2. Recycling programs that are robust and comprehensive, accessible to all residents and visitors

3. Public awareness and public service announcements including billboards to create an environmentally conscious community committed to sustainable lifestyles

4. Strong promotion of cycling and other non-motorized forms of transportation. This will include bicycle share and rental programs. Cycling paths will also be crucial for promoting cycling and reducing the use of motor vehicles.

Strategy 1: Xeriscape

Xeriscape "refers to the conservation of water through creative landscaping," and is especially useful in arid areas such as Kaho'olawe ("Xeriscape," 2012). Although xeriscaping is generally a decorative landscaping technique, its principles can easily be applied to a general strategy of agricultural development. The land use policies of Kaho'olawe may be governed by careful ascription to the principles and practices of xeriscaping, which reduces reliance on pollutants, reduces water resource needs, and reduces destruction to local flora and fauna ("Xeriscape," 2012). Xeriscaping can be used for the development of public green spaces, ranging from parks and recreational zones to highway and road buffers.

Strategy 2: grow own vegetation and fruits (self-sufficiency)

It is unfeasible for the island of Kaho'olawe to become completely self-sufficient but it can be an integral part of Hawaii's push toward self-sufficient food and food security. An initial assessment will reveal the most feasible means of developing agricultural land on Kaho'olawe, which crops be grown in a sustainable manner, and which may also be grown on a for-profit basis. Creating local food diversity will help the community become more prosperous and self-reliant.

Goal 3: Expand our resort

Expanding our resort within the framework of sustainable tourism will enable us to attract and target a broader market. Until now, we have focused on families and schools. We will maintain our interest in this market and continue to attract families and school children. The resort will continue to have an educational foundation, in keeping with the core principles of sustainable development. However, we also intend to eventually emphasize a small niche market of people willing to see the "real" Hawaii, to learn about Hawaiian culture and customs, and be a part of a traditional community. Goals and strategies for expansion are as follows.

Objective 1: Provide a more upscale service and facilities

At this phase of our development, and with the goal of developing Kaho'olawe, we want to improve the outlook of tourism on the island to make it more valuable for the upscale market. The current development is not suitable for the luxury or more discerning traveler. Therefore, future plans will encourage upscale and niche luxury travel. The expansion will further improve local infrastructure by financially benefitting the local community.

Strategy 1: Build cabins

Cabins will be built using local materials, when possible, to create architectural works of art that are also sustainable. The aesthetic of the resort will be in keeping with the natural surroundings. Low-rise buildings that do not interfere with or detract from the natural beauty of the area will encourage visitors from returning to the resort again and again.

Strategy 2: Build fine dining restaurants

The architecture and engineering of communal facilities like the restaurants will also be sustainable, using local materials. Food served in the restaurants will be locally sourced and organic, focused on fresh Hawaiian delicacies.

Strategy 3: Local product stores

Tourists who want to purchase souvenirs should not be conscripted to buying cheap trinkets made in sweatshops. Instead, we will be committed to a 100% Made in Hawaii policy, with as much emphasis given to local artisans.

Objective 2: Additional Services

Strategy 1: Healing outdoor spa

One primary goal is to develop an ecological spa and healing center. The spa and healing center can utilize local plants and be based on traditional Hawaiian healing practices. Both adults and children can enjoy spa treatments.

Strategy 2: Meditation center

Both adults and children can enjoy guided meditations in formal class settings, or alternatively, personal time spent alone in the meditation center. The meditation center will be designed with the same aesthetic and building principles used for the cabins and other public areas.

Strategy 3: Kids center

With a community-minded focus, our resort will also attract families interested in a revolutionary means of traveling together. While adults are enjoying their activities at the healing outdoor spa or meditation center, children can play amongst themselves at the supervised kids playground center. With focused daycare, parents can trust that their children are safe. The formula conveys a concept of community that can be carried through to other areas of Kaho'olawe life.

Strategy 4: Horse ranch and family activities

Since we will be targeting family vacationers, we will offer a wide variety of activities that can be done together. For example, families would be able to visit the ranch and go horseback riding. Other activities that will be of interest to families include kayaking adventures, snorkeling, cooking classes, dance classes, ukulele classes, bonfires, stargazing, and traditional storytelling.

Strategy 5: Outdoor activity store

Surfing and other water sports, hiking, camping, and all other activities will be promoted in an activity store. In addition to selling ethical products, the store will host a variety of highly trained staff and professions to suit the needs of even the most adventurous traveler. Thus, visitors can enjoy the aquatic and terrestrial life of Kaho'olawe in a sustainable manner.