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About Honolulu The Urban Affairs Association marks a milestone in March 2010 with its 40th conference. Since its creation in 1969, the UAA has expanded not only in number, but also in the depth and breadth of its scholarship. To celebrate both the anniversary of the Association and its members’ achievements, we meet for the first time in an American city outside of the continental United States: Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. In doing so, the UAA opens its doors to the traditions and innovative scholarship of the Pacific Rim. The spirit of aloha has long welcomed tourists who come from all over the world to enjoy Hawaii's pounding surf, active volcanoes, lush forests, and cultural traditions. The UAA's 40th conference will be held in a neighborhood of Honolulu known as Waikiki. Used as a retreat by the Hawaiian royal family in the 19th century, today Waikiki is renowned for its beaches and the towering presence of Diamond Head State Monument. Here in Waikiki, the cultural traditions of Hawaii's indigenous population intermingle with the customs of generations of immigrants from Europe, America, and Asia. Despite its paradise-like setting, Honolulu is not immune to urban challenges. Some of its issues are unique to the Hawaiian Islands. For example, Hawaii is celebrated for its cultural pluralism. However, tensions have heightened regarding the movement within Hawaii's indigenous population to achieve sovereign status--a legacy of the United States' annexation of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1898. Population growth and density have also presented an increasing problem. On the island of Oahu, for instance, around 75% of the population lives in Honolulu. Yet the cost of real estate in Honolulu has skyrocketed, making it difficult for lower income inhabitants to secure affordable housing. Likewise, the expansion of real estate and tourist development has undermined Oahu's ecological diversity and integrity: shoreline erosion and coastal pollution are ongoing threats. The conflicts over environmental preservation, population growth, and effective public transportation garnered international headlines during the summer of 2007, when concerned islanders protested the voyage of the "Super Ferry," which was built as an alternative method of transport between the Hawaiian Islands. The Urban Affairs Association's 40th conference thus presents a unique opportunity for conference attendees not only to experience the renowned hospitality and unique locale of Honolulu but also to explore the urban issues that link all major cities. Other Useful Information Official website for city and county of Honolulu: Website for Honolulu Magazine—lots of blogs, articles and videos Local newspaper:
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