Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 1, Number 2, 1 September 1981 — Hawaiʻi Culture and Tourism A Point of View [ARTICLE]

Hawaiʻi Culture and Tourism A Point of View

Hawaiian culture is the essence of Hawai'i, and the Hawaiian community. It reflects our people, land, lifestyle, values, practices, history and future. Without it, the extinction of Hawaiians as a polynesian people would be imminent. Because of this crucial role that culture plays in our lives, there is a dire need to protect and enhanee our culture by formulating affirmative programs and by emphasizing Hawaiian culture as a major resource to the people of Hawai'i. This pursuit could be accomplished by a wide spectrum of activities. For example, it could include the creation of a Hawaiian Cultural Institute at the University of Hawaii, the institution of a eommu-nity-based Hawaiian language program, legal sanctions for the protection of artifacts and historic sites, and the creation of a funding source for activities pertaining to Hawaiian culture as a "living" entity. Recently, OHA's Board of Trustees approved the concept of pursuing the feasibility of having the tourist industry contribute to a proposed "Cultural Restoration and Preservation Fund" whereby Hawaiian culture could be uplifted. This decision was based on the premise that Hawaiian culture has been the major element in the rapid growth and promotion of tourism, and that the tourist industry should therefore assume some of the responsibility and financial burden of uplifting Hawaiian culture.

Most recently, this has been evidenced by the industry's public relations efforts, such as Hawai'i '82, that will be viewed across the world. The focal point of these efforts are glaringly obvious. lt sells the Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian people and Hawaiian culture. While the industry has contributed to various community activities, its responsibi!ity to Hawaiian culture has neither been recognized nor understood. It is critical that the industry and decisionmakers understand OHA's view of culture, and its va!ue to Hawaiians, and the State as a whole. What is at stake is the survival of the spiritual being of Hawai'i's native people. Mueh of Hawaiian culture is already lost in terms of land, and lifestyle. What little remains is guarded with indiscriminate care. OHA's concept of a "Cu!ture Restoration and Preservation Fund" will face mueh competition in light of Mayor Anderson's proposed plan, "Waikiki 2000," to revitalize Waikiki utilizing proposed tourist tax revenues. The industry will clearly benefit from improved roads, parks and other such projects. However, it is hoped that the industry and decisionmakers recognize the less measurable benefits that may accrue to all of Hawai'i's people if there is a greater sensitivity to OHA's view of Hawaiian culture, and the need to protect and enhanee what little remains.