Preserving Paradise

¿A thought-provoking and well-researched commentary on the impact of Lucas v. South Carolina Coastal Council on Hawaii land-use policies.¿ ¿Harold S. Matsumoto, Director of Planning, State of Hawai`i ¿Startling, provocative. . . . It should be read by all land developers, government regulators, and citizens who care about preserving paradise.¿ ¿Kent M. Keith, President, Chaminade University; Former Director of Planning, State of Hawai`i ¿Useful and succinct. . . a needed clarion call for a more appropriate balance between regulation and pro-active planning. Those who dislike the message that Hawaii can no longer rely so heavily on regulation to preserve the Islands¿ resources and exact `public benefits¿ from developers would, nevertheless, be foolish to ignore it.¿ ¿John P. Whalen, Former Director, Department of Land Utilization, City and County of Honolulu ¿A major contribution of this book is that it presents several alternatives to regulatory taking for preserving environmental quality. . . . While this book focuses on the Hawaiian experience, it offers much for planners and lawyers everywhere.¿ ¿Anthony James Catanese, President and Professor, Florida Atlantic University ¿Callies has again provided a comprehensive review of Hawaii¿s land-use regulatory process. . . . He has presented his point of view that for legal and policy reasons this regulatory system will not effectively preserve what is unique and important about Hawaii.¿ ¿Dan Davidson, Executive Director, Land Use Research Foundation of Hawaii

The exciting and inspirational conclusion to the Beta Earth Series. Beta Earth: Paradise follows the events of Beta Earth: Awakening. The final battle has arrived. The only battle that truly matters. The fight for our Paradise.

"Saving Paradise" offers a fascinating new lens on the history of Christianity, asking how its early vision of beauty evolved into a vision of torture, and what changes in society and theology marked that evolution.

San Diego Magazine gives readers the insider information they need to experience San Diego-from the best places to dine and travel to the politics and people that shape the region. This is the magazine for San Diegans with a need to know.

“Sprawl” is one of the ugliest words in the American political lexicon. Virtually no one wants America’s rural landscapes, farmland, and natural areas to be lost to bland, placeless malls, freeways, and subdivisions. Yet few of America’s fast-growing rural areas have effective rules to limit or contain sprawl. Oregon is one of the nation’s most celebrated exceptions. In the early 1970s Oregon established the nation’s first and only comprehensive statewide system of land-use planning and largely succeeded in confining residential and commercial growth to urban areas while preserving the state’s rural farmland, forests, and natural areas. Despite repeated political attacks, the state’s planning system remained essentially politically unscathed for three decades. In the early- and mid-2000s, however, the Oregon public appeared disenchanted, voting repeatedly in favor of statewide ballot initiatives that undermined the ability of the state to regulate growth. One of America’s most celebrated “success stories” in the war against sprawl appeared to crumble, inspiring property rights activists in numerous other western states to launch copycat ballot initiatives against land-use regulation. This is the first book to tell the story of Oregon’s unique land-use planning system from its rise in the early 1970s to its near-death experience in the first decade of the 2000s. Using participant observation and extensive original interviews with key figures on both sides of the state’s land use wars past and present, this book examines the question of how and why a planning system that was once the nation’s most visible and successful example of a comprehensive regulatory approach to preventing runaway sprawl nearly collapsed. Planning Paradise is tough love for Oregon planning. While admiring much of what the state’s planning system has accomplished, Walker and Hurley believe that scholars, professionals, activists, and citizens engaged in the battle against sprawl would be well advised to think long and deeply about the lessons that the recent struggles of one of America’s most celebrated planning systems may hold for the future of land-use planning in Oregon and beyond.

San Diego Magazine gives readers the insider information they need to experience San Diego-from the best places to dine and travel to the politics and people that shape the region. This is the magazine for San Diegans with a need to know.

Dive into the vibrant tapestry of Bangladesh’s natural wonders with 'The Enchanted Delta: Discovering the Natural Beauty of Bangladesh.' This captivating odyssey takes you on a breathtaking journey through the country’s diverse landscapes, from the emerald Sundarbans, home to majestic Bengal tigers, to the mist-laden hills of Bandarban, adorned with exotic orchids. In this meticulously crafted exploration, you'll witness the intricate dance between humanity and nature, where ancient traditions meet cutting-edge conservation efforts. Through vivid storytelling and insightful narratives, the book unravels the secrets of Bangladesh’s unique flora and fauna, unveiling the resilience of ecosystems and the awe-inspiring adaptations of wildlife. Beyond the enchanting imagery lies a deeper message—an urgent call to action. 'The Enchanted Delta' not only paints a portrait of natural beauty but also empowers readers to become stewards of the Earth. With its immersive prose and inspiring tales, this book ignites a passion for conservation, encouraging us all to protect the treasures of our planet and embrace a sustainable future. Prepare to be enchanted, educated, and inspired. 'The Enchanted Delta' is not just a book; it's a transformative experience that will forever change the way you perceive the natural world.