Why Base an Intentional Community in Hawaii
An intentional community that is striving for sustainability in energy and food will find the mild climate and year round growing season in Hawaii of special benefit. No need for heating or cooling reduces the need for energy and dependence on declining fossil fuels. The 365 day growing season makes it relatively easy to provide fresh fruits and vegetables on a year round basis. Another benefit is that a large amount of palm oil can be grown per acre and used as a diesel fuel.
While Hawaii is still part of the United States, it is isolated from the mainland and may escape some of the strife brought on by the decline in oil. Since Hawaii is surrounded on all sides by 2000 miles of ocean, the air and rainfall is the cleanest on Earth. In the case of global warming and possible climate problems, the vast expanse of ocean moderates extremes of climate.
The Puna district on the big island is relatively lightly populated and land prices are surprisingly low. The big island has 90% of the land and 10% of the people of Hawaii. Land prices in Puna have started climbing recently but I bought a 3 acre parcel in 2004 for $18K (would now cost about $50K) and are still available under $200K – compare to elsewhere in Hawaii where you would expect to pay $300K for a city size lot. The rainfall in Puna is abundant at approximately 150 inches per year so water is another resource that is not a worry. The high rainfall is part of the reason for the lower land prices in Puna. Most people moving to Hawaii want to live on the dry side of the island where it almost never rains, but that arid climate is not so good if you want to grow your own food.
On the down side, Hawaii has no fossil fuels and little mineral resources. This could be a plus since when fossil fuels start running out, Hawaii will be forced to develop its considerable biofuels, geothermal, wind and wave energy capabilities.
Sounds like a perfect place to live.
Posted by: | February 19, 2009 at 07:59 PM