Sustainable Tourism in Practice

On Hawaii Island, as elsewhere, sustainable tourism today means:

• Minimizing negative impacts on the environment
• Promoting the local culture, including heritage, history, arts, crafts, and more
• Supporting island businesses, hiring locally and buying locally
• Recycling, reusing and reducing use of limited resources
• Offering authentic experiences which sustain the environment and local people
• Preserving the geographical character of this place

How are these aspects of sustainable tourism manifested in modern-day Hawaii Island, relating to aesthetics, energy, environment, culture and heritage, community and economy?

Below is a sample of some of the ways:

Land use

Most of the Big Island is in agriculture, conservation, park or related land use categories. Of the Big Island’s 2.5 million-plus acres, only about 54,000 or two percent is designated as urban area while 1.3 million acres – or 50 percent is designated as conservation. The remainder is designated as agricultural or rural.

Building codes

By ordinance, the height of buildings on Hawaii Island is limited to five stories, thus reducing traffic and population congestion, ensuring scenic visibility.

Many residences and businesses use solar panels for hot water heating; solar panels will soon be required on all new homes.

Traditional “island” architectural styles are encouraged; many resorts and other businesses incorporate island elements in design. For example, these styles incorporate air movement, rather than air conditioning, to cool spaces.

There is a Coastal Zone Management ordinance in place which regulates various aspects of the coastal zone, including the use and type of artificial lighting which may be used in shorelines areas so that turtles and other marine life are not adversely affected.

Development

Proposed residential and commercial buildings on the Big Island undergo a rigorous approval and permitting process. The State of Hawaii has an Environmental Impact Statement law, which requires that an environmental impact assessment be done (for public review) when any development activity is proposed for State or County lands or using State or County funds. It also applies to any development proposed in conservation districts, shoreline areas or historic sites, or when cultural, historical or burial sites are encountered in the course of development.

Limited availability of water, sewer and other infrastructure keeps development manageable.

Hotels and resorts are clustered to avoid sprawl.

Roads

There are no freeways or interstate highways on the island of Hawaii. Speed limits are kept low to encourage better gas mileage. Various groups adopt roadways, picking up trash and litter.

Signs

By State statute, billboards and other large road signs are not permitted on Hawaii’s roads, thereby enhancing nature and scenic vistas.

Heritage / Cultural sites

Generally well-maintained and cared for with informative signs about the venue. Appropriate behavior at and respect for sites is encouraged. Publications indicate how best to safely and thoughtfully vacation.

Conservation / Protection

Founded almost 100 years ago, The Outdoor Circle’s mission is simple: to keep Hawai‘i clean, green and beautiful by preserving, protecting and enhancing our environment for future generations. Learn more at http://www.outdoorcircle.org or http://www.konaoutdoorcircle.org/.

A recently-formed partnership of nine Federal, State and local government and public/private entities was formed to protect watersheds and natural resources on more than a million acres on Maunaloa, Kilauea and Hualalai volcanoes. This new initiative, called the Three Mountain Alliance, will help protect native forest habitat, species, and cultural resources, support healthy ecosystems and watershed areas, and coordinate recreation and public awareness. Email contact for more information. or (808) 985-6029.

Sportfishing is a popular visitor activity, but most charter boat captains now “tag and release” most catches.

Hawaiian green sea turtles, monk seals and nene (Hawaiian geese) and humpback whales are among protected wildlife.

There are seasons and catch limits on tropical and near shore fish species.

Protection and monitoring has been put in place for various natural areas and resources. Miles of coastal waters in West Hawaii are in a one-of-a-kind regional Fishery Management Area while dozens of local volunteers monitor health of coral reefs along this coast. Harvesting of native tree species such as koa in Big Island forests is stringently regulated; other forest areas have become protected wildlife refuges and citizens are working to restore various native forest areas.

Outdoor adventure tour operators guide visitors to places to visit and how to visit responsibly.

Private / Public Partnerships

Increasingly Hawaii Island is forging innovative partnerships to accelerate efforts to bring about energy, food and other sustainability initiatives. One organization in the forefront is the independent Kohala Center, which brings together key stakeholders in ongoing forums to collaboratively identify and create systemic solutions to environmental and economic challenges both on this Island and elsewhere. One of the organization’s major ecological efforts is the Kahaluu Bay Marine Education project at this popular coastal park in Kona. For more information visit their website.

Waste recycling

The County of Hawaii has an extensive program for recycling numerous kinds of trash and waste, from tires to plastic bottles, from auto batteries to inkjet cartridges. Visit Recycle Hawaii’s website for program details.

Renewable energy

Nearly 30 percent of the electricity on the island of Hawai‘i is generated from renewable energy resources, primarily wind and geothermal, and the percentage is continuing to grow.

Local staff

Tourism industry businesses here are staffed and managed mostly by residents, giving them a stake in enhancing and improving the island and visitor experience. Training programs are increasingly being used to increase employees’ knowledge.

Tourism Management

Tourism businesses can and do play an active part in tourism planning and direction through participation as members of the Big Island Visitors Bureau and in private and public advocacy and strategy groups.

Community participation

Local craftspeople, farmers, musicians and others have a variety of venues and outlets to share their skills, wares and products. Restaurants, farmers markets and retailers serve or feature Big Island products from the land and sea.

Philosophy

Tourism success is measured not in quantity of tourists but in the quality of visitors’ experience here and positive contribution to the island.

These and many other large and small practices, actions, attitudes and programs contribute to the sustainability profile of the Big Island. The profile is not complete, but rather one with many strong points that is starting to evolve rapidly.