The recent letter, “Rainwater more feasible than realigning streams” (Star-Advertiser, Nov. 9), highlights our failed kuleana as islanders to respect and protect our finite natural resources beyond modernizing our lifestyles.

Island ecosystems are intertwined by the wai, aina and kai. The recent concern over Oahu’s aquifers, the shortage of water to attack the wildfires at Lahaina and Upcountry Maui, and the damage to a vast watershed at Mililani Mauka are reminders that our duty to ensure the care and protection of our island ecosystem resources supersedes modernizing our lifestyles.

Our concern with global warming is admirable, but our focus must first be toward protecting our precious natural resources and defining each island’s carrying capacity.

Roy Morioka

Kahala

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