Environmental Justice for Indigenous Hawaiians: Reclaiming Land and Resources

Abstract

Through the examples of land reclamation in Wao Kele o Puna rainforest, Waimea Valley, and Kahoʻolawe, this essay explores the current "environmental justice" model and posits a new type of Native Hawaiian "restorative environmental justice" that takes into account the unique experiences of indigenous Hawaiians. The traditional environmental justice model typically focuses on the siting of hazardous facilities near communities of color and the poor. This traditional model often furthers environmental justice by providing communities of color and indigenous communities the tools they need to advocate effectively for the siting and health outcomes they seek.