Hawaii, Volcanoes, and Loss

  I have spent the past 11 days or so in Hawaii for a conference and for holidays.  If you've been listening to the news you know that there has been lava flowing down to the sea on the Big Island.  Its wiped out numerous houses and closed multiple roads.

The reality is that only a small part of the island is actually effected directly but the air quality may be what effects most people who are not directly harmed by the eruption itself.

While listening to the news the other day, they indicated that Hawaiian Airlines has cut the number of flights from Honolulu to Kona and Honolulu to Hilo back each by one flight per day.  The news also reported that many of the Papaya farms have been destroyed so there is an expected shortage.  Furthermore, since so many houses were burned or covered, the government will have fewer properties available to collect property tax from.

So what are other ways this area is suffering losses.  Several of the cruise lines are cancelling stops in Hilo, staying an extra day in Maui. Many of those who come ashore, take a trip up to the Volcanoes National Park but since the eruptions began, about two-thirds of the park has been closed.

One figure given is the park closure has cost the Big Island almost $166 million in revenue.  The same source states the amount rises to $222 million if you include the 2000 jobs indirectly effected by the park closure.  Last year, the park attracted 2 million visitors out of the 6 million who visited the island.

In addition, the number of bookings for tours and lodging has dropped 50% since May.  This can be devastating to residents because approximately 30 percent of private sector jobs are in tourism.  That is just under one-third of the jobs.  Even places in Kona are experiencing a reduction of bookings.

Furthermore, all guest houses in the area have had to close down, causing them to loose income and visitors had to find additional lodging away from the area.  Unfortunately, these cancellations and closing also effect businesses to the point that many are having to layoff staff or even closing.  Its a ripple effect.

When we hear about disasters such as this or the huge tidal waves that hit Indonesia a few year ago, it opens up the opportunity to have students look at the real life economic losses associated with these natural disasters.  This is a wonderful example of real life math so students can see real applications of what they've learned.

Its a perfect project which combines research, math, writing, and connecting it all together.  These are the types of things students need to do rather than only look at the math taught in a classroom away from real life.

Let me know what you think.  I'd love to hear.  If you have ideas on this type of project, please share.  Have a great day.