Listen to the Audio version (8:29 mp3 9mb)
Listen
to the Audio version (8:29
mp3 9mb)
|
The following is personal opinion for public testimony on Draft Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Plan
Thank you for your time and attention.
Approaching the future by planning today for tomorrow is an ambitious endeavor. The enthusiasm expended is all very exciting. Everyday we make decisions that will impact our future and those around us. Hawaiians as a nation epitomized mastery of sustainability. Maximizing limited resources-island living-was commonplace; the way of life in these beautiful islands. Hawaiians nurtured conditions for a thriving population.
Today, political protests, social dysfunction, ecological and intellectual biopiracy, and economic domination and disparities are commonplace. Now is an opportune time to plan for the future. Certain ideals to strive toward in our Aloha State could include:
In many countries, technology has decreased the workload and increased family time. On the contrary, this 2050 task force seems to be under utilizing its available resources and decreasing family time for its members and those participating in the process. I believe that if the legislators valued the people in their communities equitably, coupled with applicable statewide policies, the resources used by this task force could be conserved.
This attempt to direct a path toward our future demonstrates a lack of faith in the current system of democracy and, on a deeper level, negates the optimal potential of future leadership. This 2050 draft seems to perpetuate the domination system imposed upon this island nation since 1893. It also appears to be propaganda for bigger government. By modeling conservative, sustainable practices, there would be no need for “public awareness through media” because both the state and federal sectors, and those who provide products and services, dominate the working population.
The last thing the people of Hawaii need is a quasi-governmental agency with multiple appointments. From what I see in the draft, this council looks almost unconstitutional. This style of winners and spoils is indicative of the sugar barons of old: plantation politicians and their double standard economics is hardly a sustainable methodology. A true indicator of an effective government is to provide a life-sustaining, safe environment in which citizens perform responsibly by example. Leaders will emerge naturally and find places of prominence with public support, rather than government intervention.
A truly bold accountability measure would include valuing people. The order of goals in the draft appear to be in reverse order. The time honored tradition of nurturing human relationships is not a priority. Presenters in your breakfast forums rendered their versions of incorporating the “happiness index” and another mentioned “living-wage jobs”. These are becoming popular terms today, and those speakers are misrepresenting the truth of those terms. Ask any global economist and they will confirm that included in the happiness index is an economic value associated with every living person, not just those with a “sufficient” education who could prove their worth on a balance sheet. Since tourism is such a large part of what Hawaii represents to the world, our hotel workers (room maids, bus help, etc.) should be the highest paid in the country. The way the tourism industry is allowed to do business in this great state allows for profits to be exported and funneled out of the local economy. This misappropriation of valuable liquid assets translates into a myriad of social ills. We need to redirect a more equitable and proportional amount into pockets of the stakeholders of our tourism industry .
Education is paramount in the life of every living person in the world. Unfortunately, early missionary educators supported learning to the extent that promoted their faith. Little or no value was placed on the language of the land. That thought pattern is continued everyday in public schools by administrators, counselors, and others who report how poorly children are performing academically compared to the nation. Students are constantly being reminded they are not good enough. After 10 or 12 years of absorbing this philosophy, the youth do not feel needed, wanted, or valued by anyone. Youth seek attention elsewhere from strangers or indulge in addictions. The lure of continental living showcased in the media may seem more comforting than the desperate, unforgiving island life in which they were raised. This idea underscores the perception that unless you own a home in Hawaii Kai or Black Point, you don't belong here.
The Draft seems to perpetuate principles of valuing a persons' worth to an occupation with a high salary, full benefit package, and perks. As a full-time caregiver, I consider my job to be the most important on earth today. People ask me what I do. I reply that I stay home. Because I don't have a position in the workforce doesn't mean I don't perform meaningful work. Many in this room might say that my work is important. That value doesn't seem to be a factor in your draft as a goal: virtually invisible. I'm not blaming anyone or thing. My point is that the valuation system excludes people like me.
For example, if an employee of the government is hired into a position with an appropriate salary, everyone's happy. When that same employee is faced with a care giving situation, he must relinquish his paid position and now becomes worthless in the eyes of the government. Caregivers are you and me as parents (pregnancy), caring for an under-capable adult (Alzheimer’s), or another handicapped (psychologically or physically) family member, including veterans from any conflict (war), for example. The same condition persists in the corporate sector.
The conception of the 2050 Task Force seems to be rooted in a sort of revolutionary approach toward innovative measures. It also highlights the premise of an inherent deficiency in the current system of government, hence, justification for the creation of the 2050 Council. In fact, the legislature has appropriated about 2 million dollars worth of enthusiasm. Setting goals for our islands is part of what elected officials are charged with today. Healthy relationships with the executive leaders is a good starting point.
All things considered, I stand behind a heritage of utilizing resources of the earth and constantly improving technology. The Hawaiian in me asks each member of this esteemed task force to live sustainably starting in your workplaces, with neighbors, families, and as individuals. Advise the public of your efforts and successes so we can all celebrate island style living.
Respectfully submitted,
NL Walsh Kea'au, Puna, Hawaii September 2007 |