Question

Discuss the Historical relevance between the present day struggle by Native Hawaiians to regain the right to access water as a natural resource and the expansionism of the sugar industry and plantation system.

Include:
How is the struggle over water rights in Hawaii today tied to the plantation system and the expansionism in Hawaii during the late 19th thru early 20th century?
What is the "historical relevance?" (*Evaluating what was significant about the selected events and developments of the past to a contemporary issue.)
What role do the plantation era irrigation systems play in Hawaii's today and how are they compromising the cultural practices of Native Hawaiians?
What will all people living in Hawaii have to learn more about before being able to resolve or address future issue like the fight over water rights in the years ahead?

Answer 1

The struggle over water rights in Hawaii today is directly tied to the plantation system and the expansionism that took place during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During this time, large sugar plantations were established in Hawaii and the sugar industry became a dominant force in the economy. In order to support the sugar industry, large-scale irrigation systems were built to provide water to the sugar cane fields.

The historical relevance of the sugar industry and plantation system lies in the fact that the expansion of these industries resulted in the dispossession of Native Hawaiian land and resources, including access to water. The irrigation systems built for the sugar industry took over vast amounts of land and resources, including water, which was traditionally used by Native Hawaiians for agricultural and cultural practices.

Today, these irrigation systems continue to play a major role in Hawaii's water distribution system and are compromising the cultural practices of Native Hawaiians. Many Native Hawaiian communities are still fighting to regain access to water, which is critical for the preservation of their cultural practices, including traditional agriculture.

In order to resolve future issues like the fight over water rights in Hawaii, all people living in Hawaii will have to learn more about the historical context of the struggle and the impacts of the plantation system and expansionism on the land and resources of Native Hawaiians. This includes understanding the role that irrigation systems have played in the dispossession of Native Hawaiian resources and the ongoing efforts by Native Hawaiian communities to reclaim their rights to water and other resources. Additionally, all people living in Hawaii will have to engage in ongoing dialogue and collaboration to develop equitable and sustainable solutions for the future.