The Environmental Impact of Tourism on Hawaii and its Natives
By: Rylee Blair
As skiers, hikers, sightseers, beachgoers and travelers pack their bags and head out for their vacations, they probably never even consider that what they are about to embark upon happens to be the largest industry in the world. Millions of people travel domestically and internationally each year to experience places and things that are totally out of their ordinary lifestyle and to get their minds off the hustle bustle of everyday life. Because of Hawaii’s year-round tropical climates, cultural experiences and leisurely atmosphere, it is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and attracts over 9 million visitors each year. Marine and
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This kind of growth doesn’t happen without displacing land, people, animals, etc. Land based resources, people’s culture and historical symbols are often the victims of tourism development in Hawaii. Many of the major resorts have been built on culturally significant sites. Construction of tourist related businesses have played a huge part in the destruction of ancient Hawaiian burial grounds, archaeological historic sites and sacred places. In fact, on the island of Kauai, a well-known ancient Hawaiian burial ground was excavated to make room for a huge condominium resort project. Out of 22 acres of sacred burial grounds, only a one acre parcel was left, and human remains were displaced and moved to make room for the project. This was devastating to the native Hawaiians who had loved ones buried there for centuries, but seemed to be insignificant to the tourism industry that seemed only to be worried about their new project and making money. Hundreds of other cultural and historic sites have been bulldozed to make way for hotels and golf course developments without regard for the environmental effects of their actions. In addition to disrupting the environment with huge new buildings, many other sites such as ancient temples, house sites, fishing shrines, ceremonial platforms and agricultural have been turned into tourist attractions and have been misused, abused and disrespected by tourism. This is
Tourism is an endeavour sought by an individual or a party of individuals, which leads to a movement from one place to another with the idealism of a specific task, to visit a place or several places with the primary purpose of achieving entertainment and increasing knowledge of countries, cultures, and their history. The expression ‘largest industry in the world’ is universally used with mention to tourism, ensuring its recognition as the largest generator of wealth (over 11.7% of the global gross domestic product) and employment (7% of the world’s jobs); this shows that tourism is indeed an important industry that depends on culture and legacy.(Budeanu, 2002) Vancouver is feasibly one of the most prevalent tourist destinations in Canada
The capital of Hawaii is Honolulu (the star on the map shows where the capital is). People have a nickname for the state, they call it the “Aloha State” The current population for Hawaii is 1,360,301. It's pretty small compared to some of the mainland states. Hawaii is located at (21.3000°N, 157.8167°W). Honolulu is 4,957 miles from New York City. We acquired Hawaii in 1959. What happened was a group of sugar and pineapple businessmen, aided by the American minister to Hawaii and supported by U.S. soldiers and marines overthrew Queen Liliuokalani, the last reigning monarch of Hawaii. Two years later, the Republic of Hawaii was established as a U.S. territory making Hawaii our 50th state.
The presence of hotel casinos in Hawaii will deteriorate and draw away from the beauty and the culture of the islands that visitors come to see. Year-round warm climate and the inviting outdoors of the playful ocean and mountainous scenery attract people to the tropics of Hawaii. Along with this, another
Trask is able to use logos to prove how tourism has affected the Hawaiian culture. Trask refers to Hawaii as a “She” who “Rubs off” on the visitor with her magical presence. The beauty of Hawaii is used as an escape from “Rawness and violence” for most Americans though, Trask mentions that the land has a “Western sexual sickness” (Trask 1993). “Of course, all this hype is necessary to hide the truth about tourism, the awful exploitative truth that the industry is the major cause of environmental degradation, low wages, land dispossession, and the highest cost of living in the United States” (Trask 1993). Trask says that the areas of Hawaii which were “sacred” to the Hawaiian’s have now been turned into top of the line hotels. The beaches that were once full of fishermen and their nets are used for recreational activities like surfing getting a tan and jet skiing. On most of the beaches owned by resorts, the beaches are reserved for hotel residences only. In the essay, Trask gives the readers logos as to how tourism is changing the land. For example, thirty years ago the ratio of Hawaiians outnumbered the tourist 2:1. Today,
Reclaiming of language also contributes to the reclaiming of land. Nowadays, tourism weighs heavily upon the shoulders of the Natives. By using the lure of beautiful sandy beaches, exotic foods and language, and stereotypes of dancers in grass skirts companies are able to attract tourists from all over the world. According to Trask, “Hawai’i suffers six and a half million tourists annually, over 30 visitors for every Native Hawaiian” (50). This overwhelming number drastically outweighs the number of Hawaiians, and creates overpopulated areas as well as outrageous increases in the cost of
Also they may have caused oil spills that pollute the ocean a lot. Tourist has affected Marine life so much that many sea creatures are dying from their wrong mistakes. More tourist that comes to Hawaii will be more big of a threat to the oceans. We need to do something such as having more beach clean ups. Also notify the tourists of what they are doing to the ocean by posting flyers so they will be able to see it. Local people could also do what they do best by if they see tourists throwing their rubbish on the ground or leaving it on the sand notify them the results of that so they won’t make the same
The main way I plan on giving back to Hawaii is to make sure that everyone I come across knows that this land has shaped me into what I am today. Akin to a piece of clay, I was molded into all that I am by my environment and the people who cared for me. Making sure that everyone knows, no matter the part of the country I am in, that I am from Hawaii. My major concern is to be successful and for everyone around the country to know that people from this state are capable and amazing, in ways that people from every other state are. I want people to know, I’m giving back in a way that isn’t really physical or tangible in any sense of the word, but in the recognition that I want this state and the people to receive.
Hawaii has always been a beautiful flourishing place, but since the first arrival of outsiders, the local flora and fauna have been greatly affected. Hawaii is located in one of the most secluded parts of the world, being thousands of miles from the closest land mass. For an excessive amount of time Hawaii lived in isolation. The arrival of Captain Cook in the 18th century impacted Hawaii instantly. Like any arrival of westerners to an isolated place, the westerners transmitted diseases that the indigenous had no immunization to. Like the Native Americans at the arrival of the Spanish, Hawaiians were dying quick. With the introduction of new diseases the westerners also brought ideas. Since Hawaii was now known to the world missionaries came to enforce those new ideas and a new religion. The missionaries did nothing but confuse the indigenous people even more. Missionaries sought to make the Hawaiians identical to them, or similar. They forced acculturated the population and assimilated their culture. The descendants of the first missionaries later aided in the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. They also helped introduce the idea and practice of land “owning” to the indigenous. The introduction of such process led to a 4:1 ratio of land owned by whites to land owned by indigenous.
All of these acts take place at the expense and pain of Native Hawaiians who are struggling to survive. Here you have multimillion dollar revenue and none of that money is going to support and perpetuate the culture or recover of the language and heritage of Native Hawaiians. This reminds me of many stories we have covered during class of where cultures have been oppressed in order for other cultures to succeed. Most Hawaiians have witness that tourism, as a foreigner dominated enterprise, is the plague which an already oppressed people must endure with very few other economic options or alternatives in life. The plight of Native Hawaiians is only one example of the destructive impact tourism is having on indigenous people in communities around the world. All is not well in
American tourism to Hawaii has increased by 14.2 percent in just two years. This dramatic increase in tourism seems to be a beneficial boost for Hawaii's economy; however, the increasing rate of tourism is harming the native people of Hawaii. While the Hawaiian economy is experiencing one of its most fruitful years, the native Hawaiian people are suffering from job loss, poverty, depression, and an overall "cultural destruction" (Trask 260). Haunani-Kay Trask uses rhetoric to discuss these harmful effects in her essay "Tourist, Stay Home" in order to persuade her readers into believing that tourism can actually be a bad thing for an economy. On the other hand, in his article "Surf's Up for the Economy in Hawaii," Jim
and about 60 Japanese, (although it is tough to figure out how many Japanese), people
With Hawaii’s economy being dependant on tourism and the main source of employment, it is important for DMOs ensure its attractions and services are maintained. The beaches are Hawaii’s most popular attractions but are in danger due to erosion and pollution. Erosion is a major environmental issue that affects many of Hawaii’s most famous beaches and is a natural phenomenon. However, the building of structures on the coastline and the formation of sea-walls can speed up the affects. This can impact on the marine life, coral reefs and water quality. As the most popular activities for tourists are based in natural surroundings, it is important to not only ensure the safety of tourists but to maintain the natural environment for future generations. In response, Hawaiian DMOs and environmental government organisations work closely to: educate visitors and residents, regulate what activities tourist can and cannot do in specific areas, organise beach clean-ups and plan beach maintenance strategies. Some
Tourism has taken a toll on many Native Hawaiians and is a huge human rights issue today. Most Hawaiians dislike tourism greatly due to the selfishness and greediness tourists bring to their home country. The pastor at a small rural church on the island of Kauai, Reverend Kaleo Patterson, has witnessed and dealt with numerous Hawaiians who struggle with the issues of tourism. Numerous vacation resorts that attract tourists have taken over gravesites of Hawaiians that have passed away. Due to this problem ancient Hawaiians have to partake in reburials. Tourism causes destruction to coral reefs and rivers because of mindless pollution. Reverend Patterson has protested and given public hearings in effort to acknowledge her fury on tourism. Tourism has brought an uncontrollable worldwide business that has no sympathy or thoughtfulness for the original people of Hawaii.
Hawaii is located in the central Pacific Ocean; it is one of the many islands in Polynesia. It is composed of eight main islands: Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe, Maui and the Island of Hawaii, the island of Hawaii being the largest island of the eight (see attached map). According to the census bureau, as of 2014, Hawaii ‘s population is approximately 1,419,561 with Native Hawaiians forming only 10% of the population; in order to be considered a Native Hawaiian you must have one native great-grandparent (2014 United States Census Bureau). Hawaii’s official languages are English and Hawaiian. Hawaii was first occupied by people coming from the Marquesas Islands approximately 1500 years ago followed by people from Tahiti. In 1778 Captain Cook arrived in Hawaii finding approximately 300,00 Hawaiians there. In the 1850’s Hawaiians worked in sugar cane plantations. In 1983 Queen Liliuokalani was deposed and in 1900 Hawaii became a United States Territory. Fifty-nine years later, in 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States. Tourism plays a huge role in Hawaii’s culture; it is a big part of its economy and social life. This paper will be discussing Hawaii’s tourism and it’s effects.
The Travel and Tourism industry is still one of the largest single businesses in world commerce and its importance is widely recognized. The tourism industry is now one of the largest sectors earning foreign exchange. In the face of many benefits, many countries have started assigning due weight age to the tourism industry in their national development agenda. Tourism is an industry that operates on a massively broad scale: it embraces activities ranging from the smallest sea-side hotel; to air-lines, multi-national hotel chains and major international tour operators. Originally, non-traditional industries such as tourism emerged as a solution to strike a balance between ecology and industry