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Editor’s Note: Nathan
Eagle is the former News Editor of the Daily Advocate.
Tee it up
By Nathan Eagle
Fore!
I doubt the dead Hawaiians can hear the golfers yell, but their spirits
may have something to say about all the errant balls landing on their
final resting place in Po‘ipu.
What may be entertaining to some on a Sunday morning is downright
disrespectful to the host culture.
The state has labeled numerous archaeological sites near Joe’s on the
Green and Hapa Road. Educational signs — although incredibly bland —
mark some of the dwellings and farms used by a community of Native
Hawaiians several centuries ago.
Strolling along the interpretive path reveals carefully crafted rock
walls that have literally stood the test of time. But strewn throughout
these historic structures are Titlelists, Callaways and Slazengers from
the nearby golf course.
This regrettable state of affairs should be rectified at once, but I’ve
lived here long enough to recognize that as wishful thinking. In a
state that requires so little from developers as far as their
obligations toward iwi and artifacts are concerned, I can’t say I was
surprised to see these ancient sites in less than pristine condition.
When did our values change to the point where we now prioritize the
preservation of putting over a people’s connection to their past?
We can enjoy ourselves in a wide variety of ways that don’t involve
wrecking irreplaceable relics. These links lovers should embrace the
history here and demonstrate that commitment by keeping their balls on
the greens.
I have no doubt the Hawaiians of old would frown at the utter waste of
water and land that building and maintaining a golf course entails. In
a culture that so appropriately prized its natural resources, I imagine
18 holes across hundreds of acres — solely for the recreation of an
exclusive few — to be an unfathomable concept.
It may be too late to undo the course itself, but we can commingle
better. Let’s tee up a renewed sense of respect for those who came
before us.
Or maybe the spirits have already responded to the irreverence;
construction sure seems slow on the South Shore.
Read this and more at Nathan’s Liberalogy
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