Enhancing Kauai’s Sustainability

What Is the Issue? Kauai is in a unique position.  This island of just 554 square miles has spectacular scenery and diverse species and ecosystems.  Our distance from the mainland U.S. makes us recognize the vulnerability of the island.  Some of our resources and ecosystems are at risk.  However, with a population of about 65,000, we are small enough that it is possible to initiate new ideas and foster change if we can generate broad community support.  Over the past decade, exploration of what sustainability means has begun and there are some early adopters who are experimenting with how to become more sustainable on a personal, business, community and island-wide level.  It appears we are in the first stages of a movement, however, the movement is not yet cohesive or fully formed.

Launching the Sustainability Action Team. Kauai Planning & Action Alliance has convened a collaborative Sustainability Action Team (SAT) whose purpose is to identify and break down barriers to projects and create partnerships that will enhance our island’s sustainability.  It will draw upon sustainability leaders – the early adopters who have already made a commitment to a different future for Kauai.  What makes this group unique is its diverse cross-sector approach, giving an opportunity to look holistically at our island.  Sector committees may be formed as needed or as resources are available to augment the SAT and dig deeper into issues that impact a specific sector.

Want to know more?  To help the community understand what sustainability is and how it can be achieved, we’re providing links to  interesting articles and resources.

The Need for Innovative Plans and Consistent Action. Getting projects off the ground and operating them successfully can be big challenges.  Creative ideas and a commitment to sustainability are not enough.  Land and water availability, financing, government policy and regulations, comfort with the status quo – all these can impact the success of projects.  We believe that by bringing together sustainability early adopters to collaboratively share ideas and create a plan for action, we can break through some of these barriers, create partnerships, find new solutions and begin to “move the needle” toward a more sustainable future.