Reflecting on interesting yet concerning disparities, it’s obvious that the way people experience Hawaii is varying ever more dramatically. From Jeff Bezos’ luxurious Gulfstream G700 jet to the typical economy traveler’s crowded flight, these differences raise important questions about the future of Hawaii tourism.
Of course the ultra-wealthy are able to enjoy “luxury travel that contrasts sharply with the average visitor’s experience.” So what? That’s hardly newsworthy.
The last sentence of the article says that the ultra-wealthy “…contribute to economic inequality and strain the islands’ resources.” First, they aren’t “contributing” to economic inequality, it already exists before they even get to the islands. Second, how do they strain the island’s resources any more than I do when I visit?!
While I enjoy most all of your articles, I think this one seems to be inflaming the sense of envy and class warfare for no constructive purpose.
Great response. It doesn’t matter how one gets to the islands. The disappointment for me is it ignores addressing why things are so expensive and the impact that those factors challenge the rest of us and the working people of the islands.
Here’s a good example of how the obscenely wealthy pillage resources while contributing next to nothing in the local economy.
The Big Island private enclave of Kukio was built because some felt the uber-private residences of the Four Season Hualalai weren’t exclusive enough. Owner’s at Kukio are not allowed to put their homes on the vacation rental market, not they would ever dream of doing something so déclassé. As a result, these homes sit empty most of the year, with AC and irrigation running 24/7. Kukio sits on what would otherwise be a barren, arid, lava field. It requires constant irrigation to transform this area into the lush, verdant oasis they insisted on building there. They waste unfathomable amounts of water and electricity.
Most of these people are in residence for only a few weeks per year. Occasionally, their homes are used by family members, but again, for only a week or two. The rest of the time, they’re empty, wasting water and power.
Bezos and other titans who had a vision and pursued it deserve the rewards they reap, says one side. The growing class disparity between the über-wealthy and the rest of us is detrimental to the greater good, says the other.
I don’t begrudge them their luxuries, but I am alarmed at how little most of them use even a portion of their wealth towards the greater good. Bezos “earned” his jet comfort, but it is used daily and at significant climate impact. Someone like Musk is interfering in global politics and that will impact the citizens of earth, as well.
Perhaps these folks could use some of the wealth they could never spend in multiple lifetimes to modify some of their toys to have a better carbon footprint, as well as to actually follow through on making sure their pledge donations get to the citizens they pledged them to help, rather than just worrying about whether they can shower on their next flight to Maui or rocket to Mars.
How does someone like Bezos strain the island resources? Have you determined, by data analysis, the difference between the contributions they make against the economic inequality and the strain on island resources? Or was the last paragraph your thoughts to generate discussion?
I actually grow weary of all the Bezos negative commentary. He founded a company; worked 7 days 20 or more hours a day; and he became wealthy. Isn’t hard work and ultimate success part of the so called “American Dream”? So much is now written that he is a “bad guy” for enjoying his success. None of us no matter how rich we might be will live forever. He should enjoy the success of his life’s work. I think people should be happy that someone with his drive and imagination has succeeded. Steve Jobs changed the way we live and communicate. If he were alive today would we be critical of his use of his wealth?
Bezos expanded a great business model that the vast majority of us use. We bought him the plane and the yacht by supporting his company. I don’t understand the tone of the article positing him as the poster child for irresponsible stewardship? At least he’s buying carbon credits. Yes, there are other billionaires with a better moral record, but there are many more who are worse. I’m not a fan of him personally, but I’d be hypocritical as a Prime member to slam his extravagances.
I could care less what the “1%” is doing… I’m perfectly happy (and thankful) being able to afford decent commercial seats going home to Oahu and lie flat beds on the redeye back. When you have everything you truly need in life and some of what you want, you’re doing very well…
Best Regards
It’s not surprising the Jeff and Lauren like Maui – so do we. They “pledged” $100 million for Lahaina restoration after the fires, and I see they have actually contributed just $15.5 million so far. Now we know where $75 million of that went.