EXTINCTION IS IRREVERSIBLE: There is no way to replace a species once all of its members are
gone. For thousands of species, Hawai'i is their only home and their only hope. Unless immediate
action is taken, they will not survive. For humans, also, these species and the ecosystems they
form are of immense importance. Loss of species is only an indicator that something very serious
is happening to our islands and our world environment. When species disappear, ecosystems
deteriorate, and human life suffers. With the loss of each individual species the ecosystem
deteriorates incrementally. We seldom know at which point this deterioration will mean the
collapse of the entire ecosystem. We do know, however, that our day-to-day survival depends on
the maintenance of a healthy, natural environment.
WE NEED FRESH WATER: We rely on forest watershed areas for almost all of our fresh water. The forest intercepts rainfall, allowing water to slowly percolate into ground water aquifers and streams. The constant recharge of our potable water supplies homes, businesses and agriculture -- services of the forest to Hawai'i's economy. In addition, native forests protect fragile soils from erosion and, in turn, prevent siltation of reefs offshore. The health of our ocean fisheries is directly linked to the health of our forests. WE NEED MEDICINES: We rely on native organisms for approximately 75% of all the modern medicines and pharmaceutical products we use. Valuable medical breakthroughs continue to be made. For example, scientists recently discovered a powerful anti-tumor compound in a soft coral the limu make o Hana, found only in a few spots on HAWAI'IAN reefs. The limu make o Hana has such promise that a research corporation was founded in Hawai'i to synthesize the new drug. Common plants and fungi contain thousands of chemical compounds which have the potential to become effective in treating diseases. Where would we be without penicillin, digitalis, morphine and quinine? Yet fewer than 10% of Hawai'i's plants have been surveyed for their possible medicinal value.
HAWAI'I'S ECONOMY DEPENDS ON ITS ENVIRONMENT: Tourism is Hawai'i's number one industry. Our pleasant climate and natural beauty bring visitors back year after year. The lush green forests, vibrant coral reefs, and crystal clear waters provide scenic value that cannot be measured. Interest is rapidly growing in "eco-tourism," focusing on natural resources and HAWAI'IAN life forms. Hawai'i's uniquely rich native flora and fauna contribute immensely to our pleasant climate and outdoor lifestyle. The protection of our beaches -- Hawai'i's number one recreation resource for residents and visitors and the major attraction for millions of visitors each year. It makes good economic sense to protect Hawaii's natural assets and quality of life.
HAWAI'I'S CULTURE IS LINKED TO ITS RICH NATURAL HERITAGE: Hawaiian cultural traditions reflect a close and long-standing relationship with the island's landscape, native species, and ecological processes. Nature is celebrated in chant, song, and dance. Native plants provided materials for ancient Hawaiian clothing, textiles, ornaments, canoes, and medicines. although Hawaiian clutter has been greatly altered by the influx of European and Asian peoples, many traditions are enjoying a renaissance today. This is source of cultural strength to people of Hawaiian ancestry and an influence that has helped bind people of many ethnic backgrounds together in a common love for Hawaii. The survival of Hawaii's native plants and animals is important for the continuing cultural traditions of Hawaii's people. The material culture of the Hawaiians cannot survive without the land and natural resources from which their cultural traditions evolved.
WE NEED AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES: Our agricultural industry depends on Hawaii's climate and water supply, and therefore also depends on healthy forests. Hawaiian species have already contributed to the genetic improvement of major agricultural crops. For example, American cotton breeders have used native Hawaiian cotton to produce a new strain less vulnerable to aphids and other insect pests. (BOLD) This valuable wild cotton, found only in Hawaii, has the potential to significantly reduce the need for pesticides(BOLD) in cotton farming, saving growers millions of dollars and helping to reduce the chemicals in the environment. As with medicines, the untapped genetic potential of our native species for agriculture is also a priceless resource for future generations.
HAWAII IS A CENTER FOR SCIENTIFIC STUDY: Hawaii's extraordinary environment has attracted biologists since Captain Cook's naturalists first documented the islands' unusual plants and animals. Hawaii is an unparalleled natural laboratory for the study of evolution. These islands surpass even the Galapagos in their examples of many species evolving from a common ancestor. Studies of native insects, in particular, have revolutionized scientific understanding of how species evolve. They have also produces practical solutions to real-world problems. Scientists exploring the evolution and mating behavior of Hawaiian pomace flies for example, have developed a strategy that may control pest insects like Mediterranean fruit flies without relying on chemical pesticides. This breakthrough would have been impossible in the native flies did not exits, in their natural habitat, where their behavior could be studied.
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