KC3 ESSAY - BY DOGUN HONG

   The general outlook of Hawaii to many people is an island paradise. They think that Hawaii is pure and clean that the air is the cleanest as it can be. However, there are other perspectives, other stories and beliefs. There are many factors that contribute to air pollution such as burning fossil fuels for energy for things like planes and as well as driving your car (gasoline cars). Transportation is a big contributor to air pollution in America. In Hawaii, the horrible traffic congestion make it worse and the overpopulation as well as construction projects are not making it any better. The overpopulation and traffic is causing Hawaii's air to become contaminated, causing bad effects to happen in Hawaii and it is becoming more of an issue. 

    Cars constantly driving in Hawaii cause loads of pollution to be dumped in the air. Cars and trucks almost creates around 1/5 of all U.S emissions, which means that the cars and trucks on the road is causing a havoc in our atmosphere causing more heat to be trapped. "Emitting around 24 pounds of Carbon Dioxide and other global warming gases for every gallon of gas." From these 24 pounds, about 5 pounds are emitted indirectly. They are sent out from retrieving the gas itself for the cars. It is a definite fact that so much pollution are caused by the vehicles that benefit us every day. As a result from all this pollution our environment is changing. It is evident that carbon pollution is causing global warming and it is significant in Hawaii. "In Honolulu, Hawaii, the average temperature has increased 4.4°F over the last century," and it is predicted that by 2100, that the temperature may increase another 3 degrees. Coral is a wonderful organism that inhibits our waters and is necessary for other life. It is a special creature that only survives in particular environments. Coral lives in temperatures ranging from 73 degrees to around 84 degrees. Hawaii's water is now ranging from 77 degrees to 82 degrees today. If our temperature continues to rise, which scientists predict will happen, our corals will be devastated. Corals are not the only creatures affected, there are other creatures affected because they need the coral reef to survive. Consequently, our tourism will fall as well because one of the reasons why tourists come is because of our corals. All because of the pollution in the air, Hawaii's coral and other creatures are going to pay dearly. This is why pollution needs to be at a minimal. 

   The overpopulation in Hawaii is causing our problems to grow bigger and bigger. " From 2000 to 2010, Hawaii's population grew by 12.3%, a statistic attributed largely to consistent migration to the Islands." Even though 12.3% seems like a small number, it is quite significant. There were 1.214 million people in 2000 and 1.364 million people in 2010. Now that is more than a 100,000 difference. Looking at the data, it is obvious that the numbers will increase.   "Honolulu is the third worst U.S city for traffic congestion." This is horrible news for us. An average of 88 hours are spent annually for driving. That is equivalent to more than 3 days of straight driving without any rests. By doing this,  we also neglect important things in life. Such as spending time with your loved ones such your family and your friends. As a result, all the traffic causes more time on the road with our engines on. Which means more time for the pollutants to escape. Another reason to stop pollution.

   There are many harmful outcomes of the air pollution but there are solutions. "Carbon pollution is contributing to a higher risk of asthma attacks and more frequent and severe storms." The carbon pollution is not only causing environmental issues but it affects us people as well. Asthma affects a lot of people in Hawaii, 106,000+ to be more exact, and the pollution in the air is making it worse. The pollutants in the air interfere with the respiratory systems of people with asthma that creates more asthma attacks. The pollution causes more storms as well, the solutions come in different ways. "Cleaner fuels produce fewer emissions when they're burned ." Cellulose bio fuels are examples of cleaner fuels. Electric cars are also solutions to the carbon pollution. Because electric cars do not burn harmful fuels, it is a much better transportation device. Hybrids are also another solution because they also use electricity as their fuel but they still use gasoline as their back-up fuel. As a result, the pollution caused by the cars cause health issues as more asthma attacks, although it can be solved by solution such as better fuel or electric cars. 

   A lot of the air pollution in Hawaii is caused by the amount of cars on the road and the harmful chemicals that come out of it. It causes health issues as well as environmental issues such as more severe storms as well as asthma attacks. Air pollution is becoming more of an issue where overpopulation and Hawaii's traffic are becoming more of a focus. As the issue gets worse, it is more obvious that we need to do something about. So as a result, we need to alert more people and try to solve this crisis.