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Before the onset of massive urban centers and the lights that illuminate them, individuals used to be able to look up at the night sky and see numerous stars and even the Milky Way. Now, such events are rare to see and some never get to experience such a deep connection with nature and the cosmos. While this is a tragedy in itself, new research is beginning to show that light pollution not only wastes vast amounts of energy, but is also a threat to our health and that of plant and animal species. These detrimental effects are being noticed by the public who are beginning to speak out against light pollution and the new visual blight that it represents. Luckily, while these negative impacts are great, they can be reversed and prevented with the ultimate goal of a healthier future for both humans, the global environment and the night sky for years to come. According to darksky.org, light pollution is described as “the inappropriate or excessive use of artificial light” that is a side effect of such manmade sources as “the interior and exterior of buildings, advertising, commercial properties, offices, factories, streetlights and sporting venues”. These point sources of light pollution are a major problem due to: their illumination levels being far brighter than is required, poor light fixture shielding or just being unnecessary to begin with. The negative effects of these light pollution sources include: increased energy consumption, disruption of wildlife biological patterns (especially for nocturnal animals) and harming human health. The link between human health and light pollution comes in the form of reduced melatonin production which affects our circadian rhythm, and inhibits everything from our ability to sleep better, to being able to impede cancer cell growth. The recent changeover to new inexpensive, ultra-bright and energy-saving LED light fixtures in Waikiki creating light pollution has caught the attention of the general public resulting in vocal opposition and a search for solutions. |
One such example comes from the extremely bright stairwells of the Ritz Carlton Tower on Kuhio Street now causing neighbors to shut their windows and blinds at night. Another comes from the panel-like illuminated walls of the Symphony condominium on Ward Avenue which stays on during all hours of the night, disturbing nearby residents. On top of this, many garages have begun to install new LED lights that spill ultra-bright light from their wide-open levels. In answer to these and future threats to Waikiki’s night sky, a new set of Waikiki Special District Design Guidelines for new construction have begun to be drafted which for the first time directly mention the issue of light pollution. These guidelines state that “use of dark sky friendly lighting is recommended for site and security lighting” and “uplighting should not be used to illuminate large expanses of buildings or entire facades”. These guidelines begin to clearly identify the issue of light pollution in Waikiki and how it can be properly controlled over time. The public debate has thus begun. Unlike other types of pollution, light pollution is easily reversible. Solutions include: light shielding so the only area illuminated is the one that is intended to be, as well as installation of dimmable lights and timers that turn lights off at a certain time. It is hoped that existing building owners and managers might be persuaded to correct disturbing “light trespass” from their light fixtures. By implementing these solutions over time, we could begin to see a renaissance of Waikiki’s beautiful night sky and the benefits it provides for us all. |
Pollution in the Pacific Ocean is a very serious threat to all marine life. One of the worst types of pollution is seen in the form of plastics, which enters into our lovely blue oasis. In the North Pacific “garbage patch”, which is one of the largest collections of trash in the Pacific Ocean, there is thought to be over 100 million tons of plastic and debris floating around in this swirling vortex formed by natural ocean currents. As a result of plastic not being a biodegradable material, it breaks up into very small pieces due to UV rays, that are called “mermaid tears”. These pieces of “tears” are so small in size that cleaning them up is nearly impossible without other negative side effects such as bycatch of marine organisms. Fish and other marine life often mistake various sizes of this plastic for food which either ends up killing them, or makes its way into our own stomachs through the process of bioaccumulation as these plastics work their way up the food chain, posing serious threats to human health. This problem is occurring all over the world, even in our own backyard here in Hawaii. However, where does all of this plastic come from? There are many different ways for trash and plastic to enter the ocean such as, rivers, drains, and as a result of human acts of littering (either accidentally or intentionally). In Waikiki, residents love walking by the Ala Wai canal with its peaceful setting and beautiful view. Paddlers obtain their daily exercise by canoeing down the canal and it is also the perfect place to walk dogs after a long day at work. If you follow the canal through Waikiki to its end, you will see that the ocean is the end destination for all of its contents. When heavy rains occur, plastic and other trash flow from tributaries up stream (Makiki, Manoa and Palolo streams) and fill the Ala Wai with large amounts of visible debris that ultimately continues out into the ocean. |
Plastic-filled debris can often be seen floating down the canal. While DLNR does have a catchment boom before the harbor, it is infrequently emptied and the changing tides often cause trapped trash and other debris to wash out this entrapment, back up the canal, then finally out to sea and nearby beaches after it passes on the side of the canal that lacks a secondary boom. In order to prevent plastic polluted trash from ending up in the ocean, the ideal solution is through educating the public, both adults and children. In doing so, these individuals would hopefully realize the full extent of their actions that they may not have fully understood previously, resulting in less plastics and other debris entering various streams and ending up at marine sources. A good start has been made recently by the SurfRider Foundation with their new “Ocean-Friendly Restaurants” campaign. Accredited food establishments do not use plastic plates and utensils that end up in the trash stream, especially for take-out foods. Waikiki is one of Hawaii’s most sacred gems that is adored by tourists and local residents alike. The existence of plastic and other pollutants along our shores and other aquatic systems is a direct threat to its environmental and economic prosperity. If this threat is to be adverted, vital resources such as the Ala Wai canal must be restored to its former glory by removing plastic pollution sources one cleanup at a time. |
There are many City employees who work tirelessly to maintain Waikiki and its adjacent parks in such excellent condition. We can especially thank the many landscapers, arborists and maintenance folks who work so hard for the City’s Parks & Recreation Department. They obviously love our trees and park spaces for us to enjoy. To learn more about their work see the web page.
Because Fort DeRussy is an Army reserve, it is flawlessly maintained by the landscape teams of the Hale Koa army hotel complex. Despite being a military zone, this extensive park has no perimeter fence and is open to the public during its daytime 5am-10pm hours. It has the best collection of tropical trees and palms anywhere. We salute the Fort DeRussy park maintenance staff. |
The hotel and business funded Waikiki Business Improvement District has a hugely successful Streetscape Maintenance Program “Malama Waikiki” that cleans and maintains the sidewalks and plantings along the Kalakaua & Kuhio Avenues from the canal bridge to Kapahulu St. and the streets in between. You’ll see their crews at work every day and will want to thank them.
The business funded Waikiki Improvement Association also plays a key role in helping to keep Waikiki beautiful. They also hold quarterly beach cleanups. There are many other people who work hard to keep Waikiki beautiful. They consist of the hotels and condo associations who keep their streets and landscaped areas so beautiful for everyone else. |
Waikiki is arguably the most beautiful destination in the world. It is also the economic engine of the State of Hawai‘i and the center of its thriving international tourism industry. Each day about 150,000 people are in Waikiki to work, play and live and roughly 40,000 residents call it home. Among the many reasons it is such an acclaimed paradise are its stunning heritage of trees and its freedom from the visual blight of billboards and most other forms of outdoor advertising.
Yet most people today are unaware that the foundation of much of Waikiki’s successful beauty lies in pioneering work by The Outdoor Circle (“TOC”) started nearly one hundred years ago. Many of the majestic heritage trees were planted or planned by TOC and the statewide outdoor advertising control laws were the result of more than a decade of diligent TOC campaigning. But this success can no longer be taken for granted as relentless commercial and political pressures continually challenge our unique environment with huge building developments and new forms of outdoor advertising. As a result, The Outdoor Circle recently approved the charter of our new Greater Waikiki Branch to raise awareness of the organization’s historic role in keeping the city and its parks “Clean, Green and Beautiful”. |
As the first urban branch of TOC we are aware that it needs to be quite different - with fresh ideas for its young mission, membership and methods. Our district includes Waikiki, from the encircling Ala Wai Canal to the beaches, and both Kapiolani and Ala Moana Parks.
Our first priority is to complete the development of an entirely new online GIS mapping system that will allow users to view multiple maps of our trees, walks and historic structures - all right from their smartphones as well as home computers or laptops. Tree-loving watchdogs will also have information on what to do if you see a tree under threat. We will in addition provide the ability to check on your phone if a suspect advertising sign is legal and what to do if it not. We have recently begun working with a coalition of state, city, county and community organization partners to bring to fruition the “Lei of Parks” greenways from Diamond Head to Downtown. There is renewed focus on Livability as an essential quality of our life in Waikiki. Stay tuned for news of our forthcoming launch events. Please contact us if you would like to help by emailing: [email protected]. |