Basic History
Hawaii was a native kingdom throughout most of the 19th century. The first known settlers of the Hawaiian Islands were Polynesian voyagers.
On December 7th, 1941, Japanese aircraft made a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, plunging the United States into World War II. During the war the Hawaiian Islands were the chief Pacific base for US forces. The post war years ushered in important economic and social developments in Hawaii.
After having sought statehood for many decades, Hawaii was finally admitted to the union on Aug. 21st, 1959.
Environmental History
Due to the Hawaiian Islands’ isolation, there are many plants and animals that evolved into separate species. Today Hawaii has many endangered species and there is a continuing effort to save them. Governmental inspections at points of entry aggressively work at keeping out unwanted species.
Native mammals are wild pigs, horses, sheep, goats, the hoary bat, and the Hawaiian monk seal.
Nene goose and silversword plant are endangered. Ohia lehua, Koa, guava, kiawe and kukui trees are plentiful.
As a result of drastic overgrazing, Hawaii has suffered the greatest loss of its native forests, plants, and birds. Unique native and exotic species have disappeared from the wild.
Green Initiatives
Several proposals have been launched by the state Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism in an ambitious push to have 70% or more of Hawaii’s energy needs supplied by renewable resources.
The State Energy Program has a stated purpose to promote energy conservation and reduce energy demand.
Other projects include alternative fuel vehicles, school modernization and renovation, transportation electrification, job training, and more.
The mission of the Go Green initiative is to help Hawaii’s Preparatory Academy and its community create a healthy and sustainable future for generations to come through education, community outreach, and implementation of sustainable practices.
The island is exploring green power- electricity supplied from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. Green power helps improve air quality and protects the environment because it is a cleaner, non-polluting source of energy. It also stops the release of gases that contribute to global warming and reduces Hawaii’s reliance on fossil fuels.
They are working hard to have their buildings LEED certified. The LEED green building rating system is designed to promote design and construction practices that increase profitability while reducing the negative environmental impacts of buildings and improving occupant health and well-being.
Through Corporate Land Stewardship Program, acres of pristine forests and farmland have been dedicated to nature conservancy as well as for public parks, schools, and recreation centers. They have also implemented a Corporate Recycling Program and volunteer projects to clean, preserve and protect Hawaii’s natural resources.
