Major environmental problems facing the Hawaiian Islands: management, policy, and technology transfer options
by David Mortz, Chittaranjan Ray, Ravi K. Jain
International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation (IJTTC), Vol. 4, No. 1, 2005

Abstract: Located almost in the centre of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is one of the most isolated, yet populous places on earth. In spite of its isolation, Hawaii has many environmental problems that are similar to those faced by other states in the mainland. The isolation of Hawaii has allowed not only rare and unique environments for many flora and fauna but has also given rise to a multitude of local environmental issues. Within 30 miles on the island of Hawaii, ecosystems range from marine coral reefs to snow-capped mountains. The world's wettest spot, Mt. Waialeale on the island of Kauai, receives over 430 inches of rain per year. Hundreds of different soil types are spread across 6400 square miles with a 750-mile coastline (a coastline almost as long as California's). The most serious issues concern Hawaii's unique ''biodiversity'' and the threats caused by invasive alien species. Miconia weed, loud tree frogs, and dengue fever spread by alien mosquitoes, to name but a few problems with alien species, have received much publicity in recent years. Contamination of ground water with organic chemicals, pollution of coastal waters with sediments and pathogens from runoff, presence of numerous chemicals in active and former Department of Defense (DoD) sites are other challenges. Remediation of contaminated soil and ground water appears to have a major market share of the environmental industry. This paper contains a research study, which identifies major environmental problems facing the Hawaiian Islands and discusses the management, policy, and technology transfer options for addressing these problems.

Online publication date: Mon, 06-Dec-2004

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation (IJTTC):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com