Is this what Maui has come to?The idea that we must build a high-end, mega-luxury resort for the rich on the culturally, historically and ecologically sensitive and sacred lands of Makena in order to stimulate or jump-start our ailing economy is fatally flawed. This course of action reminds me of stories I have heard of impoverished families in other lands who are so desperately poor that they feel their only recourse is to sell their young and innocent daughters as prostitutes so that they can put food on their tables.
Is this what Maui has come to? Are we so desperate, so blinded by our greed and needs, so lacking in options, that we feel our only recourse is to sell our fair daughter Makena to the rich in order to put food on our tables?
County Council members, is this the best you can do for Maui and its people? Where is the vision? What happened to aloha ‘aina?
Councilmembers Anderson and Johnson were the only ones who stood up for the ‘aina and voted no to Makena Resort in a recent Land Use Committee meeting. The rest of the County Council members caved in to the demands of the current “me generation,” who cried that their jobs trumped all the other arguments given for just leaving Makena alone so that future generations will be able enjoy her special beauty and gifts, too.
The Maui we enjoy today was left to us by the ancient Hawaiians who cared for these lands for two millenia. Yet, we, in just a few of our generations, have managed to squander much of Maui’s natural beauty and heritage treasures. With all of our smarts, wealth and technological advances, we still are not able to care for these lands as well as the ancient Hawaiians did.
Don’t sell out Makena for money by pandering to the rich. Save Makena for present and future generations. That is what the Hawaiians did. Malama ‘aina.