May 06, 2008

During the previous month, there have been plenty of signals highlighting the necessity of sustainability on Maui.
At one point, the power went out on Maui, and our actions that day show how dim we might be as a society if we don’t embrace alternative forms of energy for our future.

Earth Day was a significant time for society to pursue sustainability. We pursued many options for renewable alternative energy. However, one of the most significant actions we can do is simply turn off – conserve.
A prime example was an occurrence at one of Maui’s institutions of higher education; it showed how much we all still have to learn.

While most of Kahului was totally shut down with a power outage, teachers at Maui Community College  were canceling classes and meetings because there was no way to conduct business. Only one section of MCC was functioning full; na hale were operational and organized.

I didn’t even know the electricity was out because we often hold the noon class in the hale by opening all of the windows and doors. Doing that  provides plenty of light and a comfortable temperature. When we walked out of class, many people were just standing around. Teachers and students looked at our class in shock. “Did you know the power is out?” many asked us. We weren’t in the dark.

In fact, the hale are the most sustainable structures on campus. Even the offices were fully functional due to the addition of solar panels mounted by students in previous years.

There was a meeting that had been set weeks before to review a new certificate focusing on social justice and sustainability, and  were able to meet as planned. My office is in the corner; I have views of Haleakala and the ocean. Every day, when I enter the amazing corner penthouse I always open up louvers, never using ceiling lights. I open up instead of turning on. We never spend a penny on energy costs, and we are able to enjoy the sheer natural beauty Maui offers. That meeting went well, while many others had to reschedule.

Usually when power goes out, it’s  due to adverse weather. Fortunately, at our meeting, we could still function, because our building has solar panels that provide a little solar juice. So far, for over five years, we have always been able to have power for everything needed, no matter what the weather.

Later that week, I went to the supermarket with my Granny. The power had gone out in the food store. People lined up. People waited over an hour. Meanwhile Granny and I went to purchase plants that provide fruit and herbs. Upon our return, they were still there. People were just hoping for the power to turn back on. We really need to make the connection between renewable energy and food security. All of our issues are actually interconnected.
The power is in our hands to make a difference and save our planet through simple conservation and conversion of our daily habits.

There is a brewery called the New Belgium Brewery which is powered 100 percent by wind power. They produce a beer called Flat Tire Ale Green Beer; now you can reduce your CO2 while watching your beer bubble!

Simple steps can make a collective difference. Let’s explore a creative aloha aina action with an Earth Hour once a month. We can organize across Hawaii for a monthly activity instead of only annually, to show the potential. We can feel electricity together and be empowered without MECO electricity.

Let’s begin a Hawai‘i dialogue on simple actions to make a difference on Maui that ripple across the world to help save the planet.

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Joshua Cooper