eye on 2050

HI

2011-02-13T21:41:00.000-08:00

Welcome to eye on 2050--Focusing on Sustainable development in Hawaii.

This blog is under construction

To see some of the posts...click the topic links at the right....over there>>>>>>>>>

A wrap

2008-10-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking it's a good time to bring this blog to a close.

While in China, I was put in touch with the Tao; which recognizes that the Natural Universe flows towards balance; and that our challenge, as conscience beings, is to flow with it.

I leave off, then, with the wisdom of Lao Tzu, from the Tao te Ching:

The world is a sacred vessel. It should not be meddled with. It should not
be owned.
If you try to meddle with it, you will ruin it. If you try to
own it, you will lose it.
--Lao Tzu

Sustainability means living along-side nature...not on top of it. In other words:

Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono

Aloha nui ma'kou

Invasion of aquatic aliens from outer space?

2008-09-25T00:15:00.000-07:00

"Japan, realizing its massive future energy needs, has decided to build ECO rigs...which measure 1.2 miles by 0.5 miles; and ground various alternate energy collectors like solar arrays, wind turbines and other green sources." [Greenlaunches.com]

Floating habitats, like this futuristic eco-metropolis, might go some distance to addressing our own island issues like land use, population growth, sustainable aquiculture and agriculture, energy and water production, jobs, SD research, homelessness....not to mention, rising water levels, predicted by climate-change scientists.

A project like this dwarfs Honolulu's rail transit project...which has been stymied by controversy for decades; and isn't expected to get off the ground for another decade...if at all. So, I don't know. It might be some generations down the line before 'we' see anything like these Vincent Callebaut floating islands in our little archipelago.

v

The money-based economy

2008-09-22T07:17:00.000-07:00

As we watch the global economy nearly collapse, it becomes increasingly clear that Wall-street type of wealth is an mirage--numbers piled upon numbers...with only artificial value. This may be a blessing in disguise, for the cause of sustainability, because it brings home the fact that the only substantial basis of economy is the natural environment--the Earth itself.

Meanwhile, by way of a fix, the US treasury hands over trillions of dollars to the very shysters blamed for this economic meltdown.

Pretty crazy.

The currency of the future may be fish...and bananas.

Global Revolution

2008-09-15T16:18:00.000-07:00

World Changing

For anyone who still thinks that Sustainability was invented in Hawaii, or that Hawaii is in anyway special in this regard, this should remove all doubts.

Check the upcoming SD events...world wide:
http://www.conferencealerts.com/sustain.htm

What we here is a global movement that is accelerating like a snowball from outer space. If nothing else, we will be swept up in the tailwind.

'To Rail or not to Rail?'; that is the Question

2008-09-15T09:06:00.000-07:00

Within the heated political controversy about fixed rail for Honolulu, The Kanu folks call for a reasonable and intelligent discussion about it. A good question to ask, I think, is:

"Is this a move towards sustainability?"

Here, on my transportation page, I give my own personal take on it; which, I have to admit, resolves nothing.

Constitutional sustainability

2008-09-05T12:23:00.000-07:00

Sustainability --the buzzword--may be relatively new in our local vocabulary; but the concept is hardly new. Delegates of the 1979 Hawaii Constitutional Convention had a clear image of a modern sustainability for Hawaii and what it takes to have it.

From the Hawaii State Constitution; Article XI, Section 1:

"For the benefit of present and future generations, the State and its political subdivisions shall conserve and protect Hawaii's natural beauty and all natural resources, including land, water, air, minerals and energy sources, and shall promote the development and utilization of these resources in a manner consistent with their conservation and in furtherance of the self-sufficiency of the State. All public natural resources are held in trust by the State for the benefit of the people. "

The Problem with Sustainability

2008-08-30T00:58:00.000-07:00

The old Environmentalists' battle cry: "Use less, reuse, recycle!"; echoed by the 'Sustainabilitists', has an ominous over-tone of "Buy Less! buy less! buy less!". That is, while this may be sensible advise for the consumer, it can not be a very comforting thought for established retailers and venders.

Taken to extremes, it could be the fatal blow to an economy that has been thriving, at least, since the 50s--and which is founded on the exact opposite premise--"buy buy buy...sell sell sell". This is the sustainability ethic we are used to. It seems to have worked...up 'till now.

Read the rest.

Gore's Challange...Are we up to it?

2008-07-28T14:29:00.000-07:00

Last week, Al Gore gave a potentially-historic speech at Constitution Hall, which was, in essence, a challenge to America to free itself of oil-dependence by the year 2019--one decade. The VP did a nice job of connecting the dots of a shaky economy, high oil prices, and a troubled environment--all rooted in our dependence on foreign oil...but, more-so, on the oil industry in general.

The goal of 'the entire Nation converting completely to alternative energy, in only 10 years', however, seems a bit over-optimistic; unless the Messiah of Global Warming has some really big solutions up his sleeve.

In any case, the challenge should spark a flurry of activity here in the Islands, since we have been selected by the U.S. DOE as the model State for U.S. sustainable-energy development. If we are to be the 'leader' in this area, then our timetable would be somewhat less than 10 years. Wouldn't it?

The mission (if we were to accept it) means more than just changing our light bulbs. It means changing the basic way we think about our energy use...a tradition that has been carefully instilled in us over the past century of opulent living...and acting on that...within the next couple of years.
Is this too-tall an order?

Read my rant--'The Gore Challenge--can we even do it? on the 'eyeon 2050--energy page'
Also, see the Kauai'ian's piece on the topic. 'Blood and gore in the blogosphere'
And here>> You-tube highlights from Gore's speech
v

Solar-powered street lamps in China

2008-07-14T00:49:00.000-07:00

Sorry...this is such a poor photo. I shot it from a moving bus, (clipping along in Ren County, China), with a disposable camera, using real film. But, if you open the link, and look real closely, you'll see two rows of arched street lamps...reminiscent of alien-tentacles from of "War of the Worlds".

Here's a blow-up that might help:

Two (halogen) lamps, illuminate the road (at a 45 degree angle); while a single lamp--half-way down the tentacle, illuminates a bike path (on the other side of the hedge.) Near the top of the vertical brace, a butterfly-shaped solar panel gathers the Sun's energy by day. The shaft, I'm guessing, holds a rechargeable battery; that stores that energy and powers the lamps by night.
I thought this was a noteworthy piece of sustainability engendering, that I saw in China.

It is also another good example of how sustainable development of a whole community comes by developing each 'part' of the 'whole' to be self-sustainable as possible.

Retraction 2

2008-07-13T08:34:00.000-07:00

Retraction
In an earlier post, I rave about the virtues of a 'new' vertical axis turbine for generating electricity; built by "Mag-Wind". [Which, as you can see, received the 'Treehugger' stamp of approval.] It appears, though, that those better in the know than I am, cast a shadow on the probability of this Canadian invention; and suggest that claims of its efficiency are overstated. Indeed, even my own friends point out that the problem of electrostatic friction between magnets and coil, in the basic idea, would be difficult to overcome.

Nonetheless, I hope to mess with the idea a little more. Such experiments, I have done so far, have not been so fruitful. The idea, though, is still intriguing.

Anyway...sorry about the false alarm...if that's what it is.

Ni Hao

2008-07-03T15:27:00.000-07:00

Hey...Hi! I'm back
China was very interesting. The smog was a bit of a challenge, though; and Olympic athletes are prudent to take caution of it. My lungs were often congested from the smog...even in the country. But, aside from that, China reminded me a lot of the 'U.S. of America'--expansive golden planes of wheat fields, endless highways with frequent truck stops, people not too polite but not too un-polite, ...only the lingo, food, and religious customs were different. Omit those, and there's not much difference, that I saw.

As far as sustainability, China may have the jump on us...certainly in some areas; like public-access recycling. All their public trash cans, like the one above, are divided into two bins--recyclable and non-recyclable waste. [Note the inverted recycle symbol on the top of the yellow half.] (Read more in the 'eyeon2050 recycling section.') However, China looses points with that nasty smog. It's a mixed bag.

Assuming now, that 'competition' is the current driving force for 'sustainable development', we, in Hawaii, might want to "race" with China to achieve sustainability goals. At a casual glance, it looks pretty 'neck and neck' at this point. Both are far from it, but have hopeful intentions.

It's nice to be back. There's no place like here. Aloha.

Off to China

2008-05-28T00:46:00.000-07:00

That's right. I'm off to China for a spell. Going to study with the Zen masters in Wudang Shan...not too far from the quake. So I probably will be out of touch.

Though, I have left you with a few sustainable thoughts regarding the previous post. (I left them on the 'eyeon2050 sustainability theory' page>>HERE.)

In that post, I ask the question, "What is our role, as the first generation of the sustainability movement?" ...something to contemplate while I'm gone.

Hopefully I'll have a chance to send you a postcard from someplace exotic.
If not, xie xie....mahalo. Keep up the good work.

Two Models

2008-05-22T00:23:00.000-07:00

The Weak and the Strong

Now that the discussion on sustainability in Hawaii grows more serious, it may be a good time to look at the two basic models of sustainable development (SD) that have emerged over the years. The Hawai'i 2050 Sustainability Task Force did not really present a clear comparison between these models...with the depth that the topic deserves.

The reason it is important to look at these two models, is because they stand to determine the approach of our effort; and help to clarify our intent.

This brief analysis, below, is taken from a 2004 review by joint governments: Scottish Executive; the U.K. Government; Welsh Assembly Government; and Northern Irish Assembly, regarding "...government strategies relevant to sustainable development." [The entire article is a brief, but very good, background for anyone interested in the history and evolution of SD theory.] http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/05/23091323/4

This is a comparison between, what has been called, "Weak" and "Strong" sustainability models. Note that the "weak" model has been advanced by the HI 2050 Task Force. So, as far as sustainability in Hawaii goes, this is only an introduction to this topic.

Weak sustainability - a position that propounds that human made capital ( e.g. technology) will substitute for natural capital so this can be run down, providing a critical minimum level is maintained - essentially a willingness to pay approach.Strong sustainability - a position which accepts that non-ecospheric natural capital (minerals) can be depleted but the ecosphere must be protected absolutely - 'there is no substitute to the planet' - a planet over people approach;.

Transportation

2008-05-16T04:58:00.000-07:00

Getting Around
As sustainable transport-solutions go, bicycles are hard to beat.

Though, if that isn't always the most practical solution, new alternatives to gas-powered transport seem to be coming out all the time. Some of them pretty wild, indeed.
Welcome to the eyeon2050 Transportation page.

Twenty-first century Sustainability is decidedly marked by the passing of the internal combustion era.

v

Recycling...

2008-05-15T10:58:00.000-07:00

...a 'Cornerstone' of sustainability.

That's no great revelation.

But, I didn't know that Primo brewers were pioneering the recycling of aluminum cans back in 1958. Did you?

Check the first post on the new eyeon 2050 'Recycling' page...[still under construction...but with high hopes.]
Here we ask the question: 'What is the value of recycling one can?'

Local Power

2008-05-08T02:54:00.000-07:00

sustainability theory:
Dr. Richard E. Smalley, of 'Bucky-ball' fame, applies principals of synergy to sustainable development; in his proposal of local power storage. Read more.

A Winner

2008-05-01T02:59:00.000-07:00

I believe we have a winner here.
[See Retraction 2.]

In the name of sustainability, I thought I would invent a vertical-axis wind-turbine generator; with magnets on the outer rim of the turbine--that passed over coils on a equal-size rim just below it. The idea replaces the conventional generator--which is situated at the axis of the turbine.

For the prototype, I was going to use a bicycle wheel--attaching magnets to the tire...(N or S poles facing down), so the magnets spin around and around. Then I was going to coil copper wire around a second bike tire--the same size--which would be stationary...just under the spinning tire...close enough for the mag fields to permiate the coil. That should do it...right?

But then, [as per usual--when I have a bright idea] while researching the best sort of wind-turbine blade-configuration to use for my invention, I stumbled on this.

My invention has already been invented. A couple of hosers from Canada--Thomas Priest-Brown and Jim Rowan--beat me to it...but big time. Their design is way-far advanced...and practically on the market.

Oh well. I guess I can, at least, pat myself on the back; and comfort myself with the thought that 'great hosers think alike.' Some consolation prize.

Anyway, these Canadian chaps have come up with a first-class sustainability solution; if their contraption works like I think it should. Take a look for yourself. What do you think?
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/01/magwind_vertica.php

Index

2008-04-25T06:10:00.000-07:00

free energy?

2008-04-24T10:35:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93lhxc7vE5A&feature=related >>

I've been slacking. But there are some other guys out there who have been hard at it. Check out 'the future' on my new eyeon2050...science/technology page. The future is here.

Die Hard IV

2008-04-18T07:56:00.000-07:00

Boy, those 2050 folks don't give up easy. With the HI 2050 Sustainability Scam in trouble in House committees, they have called in reinforcements--the People. Here's the latest e-mailed update:

"E-Mail Legislators to Support Hawaii 2050

"Mahalo for your support of the
Hawaii 2050 Sustainability Plan. The time and energy of Hawaii residents has been essential in creating Hawaii 2050 and making it the "People's Plan."

"The state Legislature is in the final two weeks of this year's session.The bills that will adopt Hawaii 2050 into law are SB2833 and HB2526. They are in conference committee -- the last stop before a full vote by state lawmakers on these bills.

"Please e-mail these key lawmakers and tell them that you support the Senate versions of SB2833 and HB2526:

"Rep. Calvin Say. Click here to send an e-mail.
Rep. Jerry Chang. Click here to send an e-mail.
Rep. Sharon Har. Click here to send an e-mail.
Rep. Ken Ito. Click here to send an e-mail.
Rep. Hermina Morita. Click here to send an e-mail.
Rep. Marcus Oshiro. Click here to send an e-mail.
Rep. Maile Shimabukuro. Click here to send an e-mail.
Rep. Cynthia Thielen. Click here to send an e-mail.
Rep. Kyle Yamashita. Click here to send an e-mail.

Thank you for supporting Hawaii 2050."

Your welcome.

v

Retraction

2008-04-10T11:44:00.000-07:00

Official Document>

It turns out that I need not feel so much like a monkey's uncle, after all. SB#2833--was passed through that House finance committee near-unanimously on the condition that "The 2050 Plan" be first vetted by the UH Public Policy Department, with returned recommendations to the Legislature...due 2010 Session.

Someone up there is thinking along the same lines as I am.

This detail, which I carelessly missed, makes all the difference in the world. If "The PLAN" comes back from the UH with a blue-ribbon attached, then good enough. We--the critics--have had a fair hearing. Either way, I can rest this thread. No more badgering of politicians on this issue.

Apparently, also, #2833 has been subject to major amendments. Although I have written somewhere, in the past: "No amendments can save it...it's corrupt at its kernel...blah blah", I am a reasonable blogger and am willing to compromise...within reason. [I'll need to check those changes, though.]
Also I have written somewhere: 'I don't mind being proven 'wrong'. I'm used to it.'

Either way, all the House Representatives that were jokingly put on notice, in the previous (April Fools Day) post, are officially "off notice", and here-by awarded the authentic "eyeon2050 Certificate of Sound Leadership and Good Governance."
Three cheers for 'checks and balances' "Hip hip...Hurrah!" etc.
Way-ta-go, folks.

v

Oh Well....

2008-04-01T15:48:00.000-07:00

Me >>>

I must be some sort of fool. To be sure I'm in the overwhelmed minority. SB#2833 whisked through the 20-member House Finance Committee with just-short-of-a standing ovation.
The following House Representatives are on notice:

Blake K. Oshiro, Marilyn B. Lee, Karen Leinani Awana, Tom Brower, Faye P. Hanohano, Sharon E. Har, Jon Riki Karamatsu, Michael Y. Magaoay, Joey Manahan, John Mizuno, Karl Rhoads, James Kunane Tokioka, Colleen Rose Meyer, Gene Ward, Ph.D., Della Au Belatti (with reservations)

Carroll, Nakasone, Sagum, Pine were "excused"...which doesn't necessarily mean they're off the hook.

NAW...Just Kidding...April Fools!
None of these faithful public servants are really on notice. They probably voted their conscience...not because of pressure they might be under. So, I respect that. Even though I don't agree....

I--the real fool--on the other hand, am 'on notice'.
Just look at the sloppy mistakes in my testimony--I see a paragraph, I wrote, that makes about as much sense as the 2050 Sustainability Plan. [pdf, Last testimony in the lot]. This section, Part III. in my rave, should read more like:

"III. I am skeptical of the political process in which this legislation is being "rushed" through the Legislature.
For example, on February 11th, SB#2833 was passed through the (7-member) Senate CPH Committee, on three 'Aye' votes; ...one 'Aye"-with "reservations", and three members absent. ALL ON THE VERY DAY THE PLAN WAS PUBLISHED!
I have to ask: "Is that normal legislative procedure?" Considering the significance of this PLAN, it seems kind of 'careless' to me."

Sorry...kind of careless on my part, this time. But, I hope this clears it up.

At least I can find solace in the fact that there are a few other fools out there--I'm not totally alone. Take Big Island farmer, Patrick M. Walsh, for instance. He remarks, in his testimony:

"This proposed Hawaii 2050 Sustainability council by nature is an excellent idea, for a group of stranded participants on an episode of "Lost." However, as it happens, our state has an elected legislative body which--by the magic of democracy--has done an excellent job sustaining our great state of Hawaii. The challenges of our future are already in good hands."

Linda weighs in

2008-03-30T18:54:00.000-07:00

Linda Smith

Somebody's been burning the midnight oil down at the Legislature , apparently. A third testimony has found its way into cyberspace over the weekend. This one from Linda Smith, Senior Policy Advisor to Governor Lingle. She touches on some good points. From the pdf:

"The provisions in this bill [SB #2833] raise many questions. The Council is placed in the Office of the Auditor, an entity who has the specific statutory responsibility to perform financial and management audits. Yet the bill then moves the Council to the Office of
Planning in July 2010.
Why?
Is it because this is near the end of Governor Lingle's second term? Is it because certain people want the Council to be outside the scrutiny and administrative controls of the executive branch?

The bill provides an unspecified sum for the Council and establishes an exempt position as the executive director.

Already $1.7 million has been spent on this project.

Could this money have been used to purchase important agricultural lands currently up for sale?
Could $1.7 million help restore the Kakala 0 Kamoa sacred site in Kona, sustaining and preserving this historic locale for future generations to come?
Should these funds be used to help employees feeling the effects of the closure of Molokai Ranch, Tropic Fish, or Weyerhauser Box Company?
These are but four of numerous specific projects and programs that would immediately and concretely help address energy, self-sufficiency, the cultural heritage of our state, and ease the dislocations occurring in our community."

So there.

"This is Fargren War"

2008-03-29T12:56:00.000-07:00

The Battle Rages on

And, it's a beauty. The House Committee on Finance is currently hearing the SB. 2833--"Kokubun's Baby", as a friend of mine dubs it.

I appologise that the process is a little rapid for my pace. It's not easy to keep up with.

I went to the hearing, Conference room 308, on the 26th. 2833 was on the 12:30 agenda, but it was pushed back--later and later--because earlier agendas dragged on.
Unfortunately, I had to leave at 4:30, so missed the good stuff. Sorry.

A point of interest, though, was that there so many testimonies submitted, that they were not able to publish them before decision making date--yesterday. However, the first two testimonies--(one pro and one con)--as of the moment, are on line here: [Or, on your own, type in 'SB2833' and 'click' the testimony box. These are pdf files]

Note that the first one, from Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, is from John Doe...on behalf of thousands of civic-minded supporters of the Bill from all across the Nation--from Alaska to Virginia. One small problem: old John neglected to identify himself, or sign his letter; a feature consistent with lack-of-accountability of the whole 2050 process. John Doe could be Rus Kokubun, for all we know. Though, apparently, that is the one Association in the State that old Rus is not on the Board of Directors of...so maybe not.
In any case, I think we can safely disregard this testimony...for that reason alone. Its from nobody.

The second testimony--against the Bill--is from Dave Arakawa, of the LAND USE RESEARCH FOUNDATION OF HAWAII. This scathing report is enough to make me rest my case, as I feel in perfect Harmony with it. I like this Part:

"We question the legality of the legislature "enacting, adopting or setting forth" the Plan when it is not part of the bill, and the legislators would not have knowledge of the specific provisions of the Plan."

I think that one remark will stop this Bill in its tracks. When it comes down to suing and being sued, it is pretty clear that the proposed 'Sustainability Council' is irrelevant...the Legislature will be holding the bag.

2008-03-25T13:59:00.000-07:00