background
The Hawai’i Dolphin Initiative was started in September 2016 in response to community outcry following NOAA’s public meetings at which they proposed to limit human-dolphin interaction in and around the islands of Hawai’i.
NOAA's proposal may be viewed here.
Co-founders of the Hawai'i Dolphin Initiative, Asolaria Liberalis and Nigel Patterson, called the first of many community based meetings in October 2016. These were held in beautiful Kealakekua on the Big Island. The objective of the meetings was for the community to respond to NOAA's proposal as one voice in what soon became known as the "Irresistible Agreement".
However, it was evident that the community itself did not speak with one voice and held diverse views and opinions regarding human-dolphin interaction. Unwittingly, NOAA's actions had driven a wedge between various community groups, pitting many different stakeholders against one another. Addressing this community disharmony became the focus of the Hawai'i Dolphin Initiative.
Several community meetings were held in 2016 and 2017. The summary notes of those meetings may be viewed here.
Initially, the focus was on creating a Culture of Collaboration and Respect amongst all stakeholders. The platinum rule "Treat others as THEY would like to be treated" was embraced. This enabled everyone to speak openly without fear of being judged or criticized. The most active core of stakeholders were those that have a deep affinity towards dolphins, many with a financial stake in the ongoing ability to interact with dolphins. This core group was then expanded to include Native Hawaiians and DLNR, the authorities charted with enforcing existing regulations. Respect expanded to most stakeholders.
However, as the process developed it became clear that COMPROMISE was going to be required if we were to reach the "Irresistible Agreement". Three sub-groups thus formed to explore various elements that would need to be incorporated in the final agreement":
A survey was created by the Citizen Science sub-group. This may be accessed and taken here. The Education sub-group is currently developing materials for display at the various bays. Cultural exchange with Hawaiian Elders is further assisting in understanding community sensitivities which must be accommodated.
As part of the ongoing process, the Hawai'i Dolphin Initiative is exploring working with DLNR in making it easier for them to address legitimate cases of infringement. A three-step process is proposed:
This is an ongoing initiative. Community IS coming together despite the occasional setback. Respect is winning over adversarial behavior. And the "Irresistible Agreement" is taking form.
The model developed for resolving the community conflict is proving to be of value. The same process may be transferrable to other community (or organization) based conflicts.
Stay tuned!
(Last updated May 24, 2017)
NOAA's proposal may be viewed here.
Co-founders of the Hawai'i Dolphin Initiative, Asolaria Liberalis and Nigel Patterson, called the first of many community based meetings in October 2016. These were held in beautiful Kealakekua on the Big Island. The objective of the meetings was for the community to respond to NOAA's proposal as one voice in what soon became known as the "Irresistible Agreement".
However, it was evident that the community itself did not speak with one voice and held diverse views and opinions regarding human-dolphin interaction. Unwittingly, NOAA's actions had driven a wedge between various community groups, pitting many different stakeholders against one another. Addressing this community disharmony became the focus of the Hawai'i Dolphin Initiative.
Several community meetings were held in 2016 and 2017. The summary notes of those meetings may be viewed here.
Initially, the focus was on creating a Culture of Collaboration and Respect amongst all stakeholders. The platinum rule "Treat others as THEY would like to be treated" was embraced. This enabled everyone to speak openly without fear of being judged or criticized. The most active core of stakeholders were those that have a deep affinity towards dolphins, many with a financial stake in the ongoing ability to interact with dolphins. This core group was then expanded to include Native Hawaiians and DLNR, the authorities charted with enforcing existing regulations. Respect expanded to most stakeholders.
However, as the process developed it became clear that COMPROMISE was going to be required if we were to reach the "Irresistible Agreement". Three sub-groups thus formed to explore various elements that would need to be incorporated in the final agreement":
- Education over Regulation
- Understand and honor the Native Hawaiian Culture
- Expand NOAA's own research to incorporate Citizen Science
A survey was created by the Citizen Science sub-group. This may be accessed and taken here. The Education sub-group is currently developing materials for display at the various bays. Cultural exchange with Hawaiian Elders is further assisting in understanding community sensitivities which must be accommodated.
As part of the ongoing process, the Hawai'i Dolphin Initiative is exploring working with DLNR in making it easier for them to address legitimate cases of infringement. A three-step process is proposed:
- Step 1 - Educate the public and dolphin swimmers
- Step 2 - Coach infringers through ho'oponopono sessions facilitates by the Elders
- Step 3 - Enforce existing regulations by engaging with DLNR
This is an ongoing initiative. Community IS coming together despite the occasional setback. Respect is winning over adversarial behavior. And the "Irresistible Agreement" is taking form.
The model developed for resolving the community conflict is proving to be of value. The same process may be transferrable to other community (or organization) based conflicts.
Stay tuned!
(Last updated May 24, 2017)