Land Use/ Land Cover for Hawaii?

Hawaii’s Balancing Act: Land, Life, and the Future We’re Building

Hawaii. Just the name conjures up images of swaying palms, turquoise waters, and a laid-back vibe. But beneath the surface of paradise lies a complex challenge: how do we manage our precious land? It’s a balancing act between how we use the land – for farming, towns, or just kicking back – and what covers it, from lush forests to bustling cityscapes. Get this balance wrong, and we risk losing what makes Hawaii so special.

A Look Back

Think about it: Hawaiians of old had a deep connection to the land. Their loko iʻa, those ingenious fishponds, were a testament to their understanding of how to live in harmony with nature. Then came the sugar and pineapple boom, and things changed. Suddenly, vast tracts of land were transformed into plantations, reshaping the landscape in a big way. And now? Well, some of those old plantations are making way for new homes and businesses. It’s a constant evolution.

How We Use Our Land Today

These days, Hawaii divvies up its land into four main categories: urban, rural, agricultural, and conservation.

• Urban: This is where the action is – homes, shops, schools, you name it. Oahu, being the most developed, has about a third of its land in this category and is where most people live. But all this building has its downsides, like urban sprawl and the struggle to find affordable housing. I know folks who’ve had to move further and further out just to make ends meet. The Honolulu City Council is trying to update the rules to deal with this.
• Rural: Think small farms, quiet neighborhoods, parks – a bit more breathing room.
• Agricultural: This is where we grow our food and raise our animals. Did you know Hawaii has over 6,500 farms covering a million acres? From Kona coffee to juicy papayas, agriculture is still a big deal here, bringing in over $673 million in 2022. And there’s a growing push to protect these farms so we can feed ourselves and not rely so much on imports.
• Conservation: This is the “hands-off” zone, where we protect our natural and cultural treasures, like forests, watersheds, and endangered species habitats. The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) keeps a close eye on these areas to make sure they stay pristine.

What’s Covering Our Land?

Hawaii’s land cover is as diverse as its people. You’ve got everything from rainforests that feel like stepping back in time to stark, volcanic landscapes. A recent study showed that things are always changing, with forests actually expanding in some areas, especially where farming has been abandoned. It’s nature’s way of reclaiming its own.

Challenges on the Horizon

So, what’s driving all these changes?

• More People, More Development: As the population grows and tourism booms, we need more places to live and work, which puts pressure on our land.
• The Economy: Farming is still important, but it’s got to compete with other industries. Finding the right balance is key.
• Climate Change: This is the big one. Sea levels are rising, threatening our coastlines, homes, and even our way of life. I’ve seen beaches disappear before my eyes, and it’s a scary thing. By 2050, we could see another 8 inches of sea level rise, and by 2100, it could be 3.5 feet!
• Protecting What We Have: We need to safeguard our unique plants, animals, and ecosystems for future generations.

The Sea is Rising: What Do We Do?

That rising sea is no joke. Around Hilo Bay, it’s already risen 10 inches since 1950, and it’s speeding up. Roads, sewers, even airport runways are at risk. So, what can we do?

• Ditch the Seawalls: They might seem like a good idea, but they can actually make erosion worse.
• Build Smart: Let’s encourage new development further inland, away from the rising tide.
• Bring Back the Wetlands: Wetlands act like natural sponges, soaking up floodwaters and protecting the coast.
• Plan Ahead: We need land use policies that are flexible and protect our coastal resources.

The Land Use Commission: Our Watchdog

The Hawaii Land Use Commission (LUC) is like the referee in this whole land-use game. They make sure that any big changes are in line with what’s best for the state and the people. They consider everything from Native Hawaiian rights to affordable housing before giving the green light.

Looking Ahead

Managing land in Hawaii isn’t easy, but it’s crucial. We need to:

• Plan for the Future: Let’s build communities that are compact, walkable, and protect our farms and natural areas.
• Adapt to Climate Change: We need to be ready for rising sea levels, whether that means moving back from the coast or building stronger infrastructure.
• Listen to Each Other: Everyone needs to have a voice in how we shape our future.
• Use the Best Tools: We need good data and technology to make smart decisions.

If we can do all of this, we can create a Hawaii that’s not only beautiful but also sustainable for generations to come. It’s not just about preserving paradise; it’s about building a future where we can all thrive.