Discussion Points: Topics for Reflection

This project serves as both a historical resource and a platform for engaging with the pressing questions Hawai‘i continues to face today. Explore these thought-provoking ideas to inspire deeper understanding and foster meaningful conversations.

Group of people sitting at picnic table.

Broad Reflection

How do we balance development with environmental and cultural preservation?

What lessons can be drawn from the past to guide sustainable governance in the future?

Horseback rider in pineapple field.

Connecting Past and Present

How do the debates over development and environmental preservation in the 1970s relate to current challenges in Hawai‘i, such as housing shortages, climate change, and tourism management?

Hawaiian stilts

Leadership and Vision

What can we learn from leaders like John A. Burns, Tom Gill, and George Ariyoshi about balancing competing priorities in governance?

Are their approaches still relevant today?

Crowd of gathered people.

Community and Advocacy

The 1970s saw grassroots movements shaping Hawai‘i’s policies and planning. What role do you think community activism plays in addressing contemporary issues, and how can it be strengthened?

Sugar cane field with operating smoke stack.

Sustainability and Progress

The 1978 Constitutional Convention emphasized sustainability and cultural preservation. How should Hawai‘i continue to balance economic growth with its cultural and environmental values?

Car traffic on highway.

The Role of Governance

The creation of bodies like the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Water Commission reflected a shift toward more inclusive and structured governance. Are there similar governance reforms that could help Hawai‘i address today’s challenges?

Houses under construction.

Looking Forward

If a new constitutional convention were held today, what key issues do you think Hawai‘i would need to address, and why?

Honolulu with highway traffic.

Personal Connection

After exploring Hawai‘i’s history in the 1970s, what event, theme, or issue resonated most with you?

How might it influence your perspective on Hawai‘i’s future?