HIMC has been consulting with an Islands-based design firm to develop plans for the construction of the Center. It may be possible to partner with like-minded conservation groups in order to maximize the amount of land under our protection, and to this end discussions have been initiated with, among others, The Nature Conservancy and The Trust for Public Lands.

Architecturally, we will choose materials and a design style authentic and appropriate to life in the tropics. This means using, to the greatest extent possible, the elements that have been indigenous to islands cultures for centuries, i.e., sustainable exotic hardwoods, passive solar, flow-through ventilation, outdoor garden showers, large lanais, etc. There is an array of sustainable, low-impact systems to choose from that are environmentally appropriate and the perfect solution in remote areas (e.g., wind, solar, catchment, ventilation, distillation, composting toilets, hydroponics, gray-water irrigation, and so forth).

Our consultants tell us that a traditional approach could save hundreds of thousands of dollars. Depending upon the features and accessibility of the actual land purchased, however, even a low-impact approach might involve extensive infrastructure costs. We will want to utilize all of the existing available flora and natural water sources, and supplement with indigenous plants, an herbal garden, kitchen gardens and Hawaiian exotic flowers.