Water (Wai)
Kehaulani M. Rand
HWST. 290V
September 7, 2008
Water (Wai)
The thought of not having enough water for future generations is a scary thought! Did our kupuna have to worry about these issues in their time? Everything our kupuna did had a purpose! Malama ka ‘aina was not just a saying on a bumper sticker it was a way of life. As mentioned in the story “From a Native Daughter” our kupuna “fished and planted by the moon; shared all the fruits of their labors, especially their children; danced in great numbers for long hours; and honored the unity of their world in intricate genealogical chants”. “They flourished until the coming of the haole (whites).”
Some may ask, what does that have to do with the water issues we are faced with today? The bottom line is that our kupuna knew how to utilize all of their resources by just using what they needed. When they fished they only caught enough to feed their family, they never took more than needed. They knew that water was sacred because it was the source of life, so they preserved their water as if it were gold. Today we use water as if we have an endless supply stashed away. I live in Kihei, and I always hear people complaining about the over use of water on the south side. They complain about the hotels, the lush landscaping of the surrounding community, and especially the golf courses. I have to agree to an extent with all of the above as I’m as guilty as everyone else with the same complaints.
However, these decisions have been made by people who have the power, and money to continue these developments. Question is, how do we help in the fight for what’s important to our future generations. I do know that kihei has its own water catchments to supply brackish water to Wailea golf course I’m not sure about the other golf courses on the island. “Not that I agree with having 17 golf courses on the island of Maui”. What I’m saying is, if that can be done for a golf course then why can’t that be done for residents in the community, and the rest of the island to use brackish water for their gardens, and landscaping?
In conclusion I feel that we can all do our part in conserving water if we focus on the future, and stop complaining about the past. I also believe that if we continue to educate our young, they will be the voices in making decision for the future of our island, and mālama ka ‘āina will become a way of life again!
Works Cited
Haunani-Kay Trask. From a Native Daughter. University Of Hawaii Press.
HWST. 290V
September 7, 2008
Water (Wai)
The thought of not having enough water for future generations is a scary thought! Did our kupuna have to worry about these issues in their time? Everything our kupuna did had a purpose! Malama ka ‘aina was not just a saying on a bumper sticker it was a way of life. As mentioned in the story “From a Native Daughter” our kupuna “fished and planted by the moon; shared all the fruits of their labors, especially their children; danced in great numbers for long hours; and honored the unity of their world in intricate genealogical chants”. “They flourished until the coming of the haole (whites).”
Some may ask, what does that have to do with the water issues we are faced with today? The bottom line is that our kupuna knew how to utilize all of their resources by just using what they needed. When they fished they only caught enough to feed their family, they never took more than needed. They knew that water was sacred because it was the source of life, so they preserved their water as if it were gold. Today we use water as if we have an endless supply stashed away. I live in Kihei, and I always hear people complaining about the over use of water on the south side. They complain about the hotels, the lush landscaping of the surrounding community, and especially the golf courses. I have to agree to an extent with all of the above as I’m as guilty as everyone else with the same complaints.
However, these decisions have been made by people who have the power, and money to continue these developments. Question is, how do we help in the fight for what’s important to our future generations. I do know that kihei has its own water catchments to supply brackish water to Wailea golf course I’m not sure about the other golf courses on the island. “Not that I agree with having 17 golf courses on the island of Maui”. What I’m saying is, if that can be done for a golf course then why can’t that be done for residents in the community, and the rest of the island to use brackish water for their gardens, and landscaping?
In conclusion I feel that we can all do our part in conserving water if we focus on the future, and stop complaining about the past. I also believe that if we continue to educate our young, they will be the voices in making decision for the future of our island, and mālama ka ‘āina will become a way of life again!
Works Cited
Haunani-Kay Trask. From a Native Daughter. University Of Hawaii Press.
posted by Kehaulani @ 9:29 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home