The Lands of Hawaii: Their Use and Misuse

Honolulu: University Press of Hawaii, 1978. First Edition (presumed; no prior editions or printings indicated). Pictorial DJ, dark green boards with gilt stamping; xiii, index; notes; 417 pages; 22 cm A fine copy; clean and tight with light foxing to edges, DJ as new (fine to fine(-)). Hardcover. ISBN: 0824804821

"What went wrong? What ever happened to the Island Paradise? In a stle that is urbane, authoritative, and urgent, Tom Creighton charts the course of land mismanagement and urban nonplanning and shows where they must lead." A clarion call from the past reminding us of the alarms that ecological thinkers have been sounding for decades! The story of Hawaii's lands is history and ecology and also politics. In his exploration of the world of planning commissions and ambitious developers, the author details the struggle over land and its uses: the dubious deals, the relentless eating away of open space, the hollow plans and wasted studies. From colonial cabal to the megatrusts of the 1970s, he explains how The Speculating Game has meant huge profits for the few and a vanishing resource for the many. In this book, the author makes recommendations for long-range actions which he knows will be controversial but which he believes to be essential if Hawaii's lands are to maintain any of their natural qualities. Contents: Preface. Prologue: Hawaii's green heritage. Part 1 The story of Hawaii's lands: The loss of the past. Paths to the present. The lure of the new. Memories and expectations. Part 2 The worth of Hawaii's lands: Source of pleasure. Source of sustenance. Source of shelter. Source of wealth. Source of power. Part 3 The fate of Hawaii's lands: Programs and policies. Plans without purpose. Reshaping urban space. To preserve and enhance. Closing the options. Epilogue: scenario for the future. Notes. Bibliography. Index.// Hawai'i