Sheltering in Place #3 (21st-Century Echoes of Taylor Camp)

So why have I chosen to share my experience in Kalalau Valley publicly?

There are several reasons. One, because recent State closures and ramped up enforcement have exacerbated the ecological destruction being wrought by feral pig and goat populations with no (illegal) hunting and snaring to keep them in check. Erosion of topsoil and the proliferation of invasive plant species is also becoming critically problematic, as the valley residents who previously tended to their hidden gardens and maintained ancient taro terraces, ‘auwai and foot trails are no longer keeping a watchful eye on things. I'm not saying we should go back to an outlaw community, but I do think that Hawai‘i's DLNR has dropped the ball on stewarding one of Kauai's (and the world's) most spectacular natural treasures.

The other, more important message in my sheltering in place series is that, even today, in these hyper-anxious and neurotically overstimulated, data-driven times, it is possible to live like these intrepid outlaws. Life in the valley was at the other end of the spectrum from the psychological elements of unhappiness generated by our algorithmic global monoculture. Daily experience was dictated by the simple, irrefutable laws of nature. Food was plentiful, if you knew how to find, cultivate and care for it. Physical health and security depended on an accurate knowledge of your terrain, the resources at hand, and the limits of your own body. A harmonious social dynamic grew naturally out of mutual trust, cooperation and respect.

Of course, these are the same laws that apply everywhere and perpetually, but the complexity of modern society makes it all too easy to confuse, hide and postpones consequences. Individuals and institutions break the laws of natural balance all the time and then kick the can of consequences down the road – often barely conscious that they're doing so. In the valley, breaking these laws usually resulted in instant and occasionally deadly consequences. 

Those who are familiar with my work will probably see many common themes between the Kalalau Valley outlaws and Taylor Camp—and even Bhutan: The impulse to distance oneself from a sick and dysfunctional society (or personal history). The attraction to living simply on the Middle Path and in deeper relationship with nature. The desire to refocus on life's essentials rather than be distracted by its frivolities – to name a few. Both the Taylor Camp and Kalalau outlaw communities existed during times of great political and social unrest. Both were shut down by the state government. Both were on the spectacularly beautiful North Shore of Kauai. Both were composed primarily of transplants from the Mainland or beyond. I documented the two communities nearly 50 years apart, but they both left me with a refreshing sense of what's possible when people choose to swim against the tide and live according to the timeless ideals of simplicity, humanity and respect for nature. 

In documenting both communities, I wanted to show that such a place, with a scattering of people, can exist. That such lives are possible, even today. I've often said that Taylor Camp could have only occurred in that specific time and place, and this is true. But the spirit that animated and shaped Taylor Camp can spring into to life anywhere that brings forth the abundant healing power of nature.