Regions
Islands tend to have fragile ecosystems. Many have few if any native mammals, so when humans bring in sheep, goats, pigs, and other livestock and release them into the wild, massive destruction of plant life and erosion often follows. Fresh water tends to be in short supply, and many islands struggle to balance residential, commercial, and agricultural demands.
- Our Stories
- Makua Makahiki
Years ago, the Army seized Makua Valley on O’ahu for training and other uses. David Henkin has represented Native Hawaiian people trying to stop damage to cultural sites in the valley. Here’s his story of an inspiring celebration.
 Read more about Hawaiian traditions at Makua |
- Recent Victories
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Biological and Cultural Treasures at Makua to be ProtectedA March 2004 settlement requires the military to stop conducting prescribed burns at Makua Military Reservation and to complete their consultation with the USFWS in an effort to protect native Hawaiian cultural sites and endangered plants and animals. Safeguarding Hawai'i's Native PlantsUnder court order, in 2003, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service made final designations of more than 400,000 acres of critical habitat for scores of species of endangered and threatened plants native to Hawai`i. Hard Taro, Hard TimesA century ago, most of the water that supported Native Hawaiian communities, their taro patches, and their fisheries on the east side of O`ahu was diverted to the central part of the island to grow sugar. When Big Sugar pulled up stakes decades later, a mighty struggle ensued. Should the water go to restore what was lost, or be used for golf courses and expensive crops? Tom Turner tells the tale. |
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