The ancient native Hawaiians were environmentalist in the truest form. They did not protest or lobby congress. No driving fuel efficient cars to make a statement or National forest to prevent people from clear cutting.
The Native Hawaiian understood that they needed to preserve their natural resources. They lived their daily lives in a manner that today would be considered environmentalist. Hawaiians lived "Pono" (with respect and righteousness). By living in righteousness they believed they would be blessed by fertile lands and sea.
Hawaiians managed their resources from the mountains to the sea. They needed the mountain valleys for fresh water and crops. The used the ocean to fish. The Hawaiians were so in tune with their environment that they managed their resources in such a way that they would be around into perpetuity.
Hawaiian's were among other thing aqua culturists. They built fish ponds and raised fish along the coast line and in the bays of our islands. Their ingenious techniques are being recreated today. Several groups are in the process of restoring the few remaining ancient Hawaiian fish ponds. Being going back to the past people today are learning how to better take care of our limited natural resources.
In more modern times King Kamehameha III (1825 -1854) spoke the famous words which became our Hawaii's state motto: "Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono", translated to mean: The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.
Lucky we live in paradise, we hope to keep it that way. Aloha Aina!
And here is lunch! How about our Kahuku shrimp farms and sweet corn! Okay...just lunch time...waiting for my daughter to bring L & L plate lunch.....she just came! Chicken Katsu, rice, and mac salad...bye!
I just saw a documentary called "A Crude Awakening" talking about the world's reliance on oil to live our everyday lives (fuel for cars, planes, etc), but that it's just a matter of time before we use up this non-renewable resource. It claims that the combined efforts of solar, wind, and other forms of technology will not match the amount of energy produced from oil. How different will life be once we deplete this resource??
Maybe we can all learn something from the Native Hawaiians and Native Indians. Thanks Randy!
Sally - Mostly things I can't eat on my diet. No rice, mac salad, butter or fried foods. Other than that I can eat everything else on the plate.
Dena - I do not much about Huna. I know healing is part of their beliefs.
Pete - I believe we either already have the technology to get us off the oil standard or could have it quickly. I feel the political will is just not there.
Randy, I like your aloha spirit :) good blog !
janneAnne - I try to take several lessons from them. They were very wise in many of their practices.
Ray - Mahalo (thank you in Hawaiian)
Gena - I find most visitors come to see the beauty and generally treat things with respect. Unfortunately some of our residents do not always respect things as much as they should.
Randy...
Well thank you very much. I needed to be reminded that I'm supposed to be practicing green. SVW.
TLW...ROAR!
Randy... thanks for sharing this. I read Danny's question and your response. The one culture that seems to hold true to their ancestors are the Japanese. Even though more and more are adapting to American ways.... so many still respect their elders.
Midori - Thank you, I hope you make it over for the 2008 CRS Sell-a-bration and see our paradise first hand.
Jeff - I Hawaii the elders are known as Kapuna and they are also treated with extreme respect.
Randy,
Part of what I love so much about visiting Hawaii, is the culture. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Lucky :)
Lysa - That is very true, they were resourceful and efficient.
Lucky - That is one of the things that makes this such a unique place.
Randy,
Just got back from Kauai. The native Hawaiians remind me of the Native American philosophy of living with the land.