Today, Hawai‘i imports more than 85% of its food from at least 2,300 miles away. Population growth and development increase demand for fresh water and threaten Hawai‘i’s native forests and habitats. Pollution, recreation, and climate change impact the health of our ocean and marine life. Hawai‘i’s high cost of living and limited educational and employment opportunities affect the health and well-being of island residents and communities.
Despite these challenges, we as residents and admirers of Hawai‘i can work together to improve the health of our own island planet and support it as a model of and for our world. That’s why The Kohala Center created PLANET HAWAI‘I, a movement to guide Hawai‘i’s future by focusing on four simple areas: food, water, place, and people.
Areas of Focus
Food
With a diverse range of microclimates, deep soils, and year-round growing conditions, we can grow and produce more food here in Hawai‘i. The Kohala Center, through its school garden, seed saving, farmer training, and rural business development programs, is working to increase demand for fresh, local food and support the next generation of farmers, ranchers, and food producers.
Water
Hawai‘i’s fresh water supply and ability to grow food depend on protecting and nurturing our native forests and watersheds. The health of our ocean, fish, and other marine life relies on caring for our coral reefs and minimizing pollution. The Kohala Center’s watershed and ocean conservation programs work to ensure Hawai‘i has an abundance of clean, healthy water from mauka to makai (mountain to sea).
Place
As a model of and for the world, Hawai‘i holds vast knowledge and wisdom that can make positive impacts around the planet. Developing and understanding a sense a place underlies all of The Kohala Center’s work, from helping farmers understand what grows best on their land, to protecting native forests and critical habitats, to inspiring schoolchildren to deepen their kinship with the ‘āina that sustains them.
People
The people of Hawai‘i deserve affordable local food, clean water, opportunities to advance their educations, fulfilling careers, a vibrant economy, and healthy communities. The Kohala Center’s ‘āina-based programs strive for a state ofpono in Planet Hawai‘i, building a shared community in which citizens realize their potential and care for one another—and the ‘āina itself—in exchange for a meaningful and happy life.