23rd October 2009
Posted in Updates

Lā‘ie is a special place amidst the green valleys and blue ocean of Ko‘olau Loa. We enjoy a simple life here, close to family and friends that care and look out for each other. It is a place where the culture and spirit of aloha is preserved and taught, and is our way of life. Lā‘ie is changing and facing significant challenges. The community’s population is in decline. There are fewer and fewer jobs. Our families cannot afford to live here and are leaving. At an increasing pace, the people and way of life in Lā‘ie are being replaced by people from outside the region who are buying vacation and second homes. We know we cannot stop change from happening any more than we can stop the tides. The real question is, “What kind of change will best protect and promote what we value most about our lives here in Lā‘ie and Ko‘olau Loa?” The answer to this question raises additional questions. What do BYU-Hawaii and the Polynesian Cultural Center need to do to become more sustainable? What should the people and the community do to preserve what is special about this place for future generations? What should the City and County of Honolulu do to protect Lā‘ie, its way of life, and its people? We must work together to meet these challenges.