THIS is probably not a wise decision on my part, but -- gosh, darn -- it's time to choose. As a former Manoa resident and someone who still loves the valley, I must determine whom to support in Hawaiian Electric Co.'s quest to build a 138,000-volt line using 100-foot-tall towers across Waahila Ridge. Casting a vote on
Waahila controversyThis controversy has divided the community, much like the ridge geographically separates Manoa and Palolo.
On one side are those who say the Heco project is unnecessary, will destroy the environment, might cause health problems, will be an eyesore and should go underground.
On the other is, of course, the utility company and its spiel: that the expansion is needed to assure reliable electrical service and provide back-up power, that undergrounding the wires is too expensive and humbug to repair. Heco's stance is echoed by many who don't live in either Manoa or Palolo. "Why should the rest of the state pay higher electric bills," they ask, "so elitists in two valleys can maintain a pretty view?"
Even the Hawaiian community has jumped into the fray. Earlier this week, at a Historic Hawaii Foundation forum, archaeologist Paul Rosendahl was openly criticized for saying that Waahila Ridge is not a "significant cultural landscape."
Not a significant cultural landscape? Them's fighting words, Paul.
On Wednesday, the Star-Bulletin published a great news photo of Rosendahl being confronted outside the forum by Leinaala Heine and Vicky Holt Takamine. The two high-profile women belong to Ilio'ulaokalani, a coalition of traditional Hawaiian cultural practitioners.
The group is a new but highly vocal and effective lobbying force when it comes to protecting Hawaiian concerns, especially in the Legislature.
"Waahila Ridge is worthy of preservation because, for Hawaiians, the mountain areas are sacred," said Holt Takamine, Ilio'ulao-kalani president. "We go up there to practice chants and meditate."
I've heard Holt Takamine speak before. While she seems quite nice and sincere, I have a hard time relating to her. For example, she believes that Hawaiians have the right to go onto other people's private, undeveloped property up in the mountains to collect ferns, flowers and greens to make leis that are worn during hula competitions.
The kumu hula explained that she always asks permission of the landowner first, and that she is very careful not to destroy or waste any vegetation in her quest. However, Holt Takamine also admits that not everyone is as conscientious.
Intellectually, I can't quite embrace the concept of free take on private land, even if the acres are lying there undeveloped, because I am neither Hawaiian nor a halau member. But I do like to watch hula, which will always be an irreplaceable part of our culture and history. So my heart says, to Holt Takamine and others, go for it.
SUCH is the case with Hawaiian Electric's plan. My head says, "Heco, do what you have to do to supply power. We can't live without cheap, plentiful electricity. Let's be practical."
Yet my heart is with the protesters. Must we continue to bulldoze these islands into development oblivion, just because a monopoly utility tells us to? Isn't it worth each of us paying a few more dollars a month to preserve the place where we have chosen to live?
Gosh, darn. I'm going with the heart.
Diane Yukihiro Chang's column runs Monday and Friday.
She can be reached by phone at 525-8607, via e-mail at
DianeChang@aol.com, or by fax at 523-7863.