Originally prepared for "The Level Playing Field," a special presentation of The Koolau News. This piece was published Sunday, Aug. 18 (Week 3 of 7).

The State of Hawai'i is often referred to as "Paradise," and rightfully so. However, we must take our responsibilities seriously when it comes to preserving our natural environment for generations to come. We all benefit from the natural environment that surrounds us and finding the right balance between what is best for our environment and our economy is essential. The efforts must continue to ensure that these surroundings remain as pure and unadulterated as possible since our environment is the foundation of our economic well-being.

As I drive up and down the coast of the Windward side, I am sometimes just awed at the beauty of our beaches. We can really appreciate the natural splendor of our state. Our shorelines, our water, our reefs, our air and our parks must be preserved for this gorgeousness to be treasured for generations to come. Kualoa Beach Park, Waimanalo Park, La'ie Bay and other areas are wonderful but need to be kept clean and pure. Protecting and developing tourism is just one of the many benefits we will see when we can guarantee the safeguarding of these resources, but it is not nearly the only benefit. Our way of life in Hawai'i will improve, new technologies and industries can be promoted, and the economy will be stronger overall.

Besides preservation, improvements must be made and innovative markets must be explored as well. Maintaining the quality of our open spaces, parks, and natural areas, providing incentives for recycling and the purchasing and usage of recycled products, and exploring public-private partnerships and community involvement to find alternatives to traditional sources of energy and management of wastes are important steps to promote and ensure a quality of life that we deserve.

Environmental issues have been gaining more attention in recent years, and we must continue that trend. Matters such as Waikane Valley should be handled with responsibility from the beginning, and the voices of the people need to be heard. I will work with other dedicated and engaged legislators - namely Rep. Cynthia Thielen and Rep. Mindy Jaffe, both nationally recognized for their tireless and innovative "environment-friendly" efforts - to create legislation geared toward preserving and protecting our natural environment.

Preserving our "paradise" is a responsibility that falls upon all of us by action and deeds. We all have a stake in this. We are proud to live in this island paradise, and we must all do our part to keep it that way.