How the state grows is everybody's responsibility. People look to blame government or project proponents, but those efforts are project specific and ephemeral. It will not significantly impact the future of Hawaii.
The Hawaii land use and planning system has some very basic goals that stand the test of time:
- To “preserve, protect and encourage the development of the lands in the State for those uses to which they are best suited for the public welfare.” See L. 1961, c 187, § 1.
- "To improve the planning process in this State, to increase the effectiveness of government and private actions, to improve coordination among different agencies and levels of government, to provide for wise use of Hawaii’s resources and to guide the future development of the State.” See HRS §226-1.
- To “provide for the effective management, beneficial use, protection, and development of the coastal zone.” See L. 1977, c 188, § 1.
But let us remember as we move forward that it's not just about land use, it is about basic concepts of a healthy society--unalienable rights, such as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This challenge requires complex solutions to multidimensional and multidisciplinary problems that confront our modern society.
Like with so many challenges confronting our society, we know the problem. In many cases, we have known for decades. The question is, who is up to this task for making real change divorced from politics and self-interest for the benefit of current and future generations as a whole? We need a critical mass of those kinds of leaders posthaste.