Seeing Green

Gold-rimmed crimsons crescendo in the sky, tinting the sand underfoot. Westwards, the NaPali coast stretches, it’s endless adventures tucked between the green wrinkles of her robe. Shadows slide down the mountain and as the day continues to soften I imagine back the hula dancers of long ago dancing down the sun on the hula platform, Ka ulu o’ Paoa above Kee beach. The entire island seems to hold its breath as the last slice of sun slips into the ocean, accompanied by a quiet applause.

“Health is wealth,” they say—making all of us on Kauai millionaires. From some of the cleanest waters on earth sliding down our throats, to sweet air filling our lungs, endless beaches for strolling, mountains to traverse and an abundance of fresh fish and fruit to eat, the “Garden Island,” is appropriately named.

The stampede has begun; more people every season drawn to this spectacular land. Numerous feet morph the earth, as a once rugged trail becomes the beaten path and secret retreats become small vortexes. The aina begins to feel the flux and weight of human momentum pushing it.

As to the direction, the choice is left to us…

Therefore, on behalf of the island I am here to make a request: Along with the reward Kauai’s gift of health and beauty comes our responsibility to preserve it. May our choices be made with an awareness to support, restore and nurture Kauai’s natural beauty.

For as more people arrive you can hear the wind whispering, ”please tread lightly on this sacred ground.”

Here on Kauai, there are many people and environmental organizations that echo these sentiments; They are hidden amongst the trees, around the bend in a river, high on the mountains, deep in the canyons and even in the phone book. Guardians who dedicate themselves to speak for the earth so that we may all understand her quiet language and delicate treasures