Evaluating the impact of resort development on an Hawaiian island: Implications for social impact assessment policy and procedures

Abstract This paper identifies critical concerns in the policy and procedures used in conducting social impact assessments (SIAs). Using the case of the island of Lana'i in the state of Hawaii the authors illustrate how SIAs can be done to maximize relevance, enhance utility, and empower communities. The development project in this case involves the creation of a resort industry with two major hotels on an island that until now has had an agricultural economic base for many years. This case study also illustrates how multiple methodologies and indigenization of instrumentation and data collection can increase the validity of the results. Recommendations are made regarding the improvement of SIA policy, procedures, and research.