I first met Uncle Henry Chang-Wo almost a dozen years ago at the very first E Alu Pu meeting on Moloka‘i. And then, as with many other times since, when he was asked to speak his talks were as widespread and sprawling as the limu about which he invariably chose to speak. And perhaps […]
DOCARE: Why we need to restore Hawaii’s ability to enforce the laws that protect our precious natural resources
Over 8 million visitors annually come to enjoy our environment, accounting for $14 billion a year in tourism, the largest single contributor (at 21%) to Hawaii’s economy. The overall asset value of coral reefs in the main Hawaiian Islands is estimated at nearly $10 billion (Cesar and van Beukering 2004). Just as importantly, our residents […]
Among the Elements
We drifted A few hours prior, in the late afternoon, one of our apprentice navigators was being put to the test in finding Swains Island from Apia, Samoa, a relatively short but challenging sail of bout 170 miles. Short because at an estimated 5 knots it would only take us about 48 hours, challenging because […]
Let’s Work Together to Restore Kawainui Marsh
Recent letters to the editor published in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser makes me realize that people are not getting an accurate picture of the state’s well-articulated conceptual plans to restore and protect Hawai‘i’s largest remaining freshwater marsh complex, which sits right in the heart of Kailua. Cheryl McIlroy wrote in “Plan for marsh widely opposed” (Star-Advertiser, […]
Thoughts at Sea aboard Hōkūle‘a
When sailing late at night, into the immensity of open space, the uninterrupted quiet, and the relentless rise and fall of the swells, you’re left only with your thoughts, your emotions, and your fears. You and your fellow crewmembers are driven as much by the wind and sea as you are a singular goal to […]