Page 72 - Tales Apocalyptic and Dystopian

Minutes of the Posterity Planning Commission

I propose this plan: the Lolohi Hokele resort complex, owned by
members of your group, Mr. Lederer, in the Lua Ku’ono district
overseen by Mr. Frederick, sits on top of an immense granite cave,
the entrance to which is a relatively narrow tunnel just above sea level
about half a mile down Pohaku Road. In less than fifty years the rise
in sea level caused by glacial and ice cap meltdown will make the cave
inaccessible to anyone without scuba gear. By then there will be no
more scuba gear. But before that happens a team of Kalamoki
sculptors can leave a visual record of your history, particularly with
reference to the excesses and misadventures of the mainlanders,
carved in stone on the cave walls. The precise sequence and imagery
of these purely visual, totally non-verbal records will have to be
decided by a committee involving academic people like the Norses,
who will also act as ombudsman when disputes arise. Mr. Tualayu
will organize the artists, many of whom will be glad to have work
once the tourist industry begins to shut down.”
“Of course, this sort of project will in itself promote solidarity
among the people now living on Kalamoku, delaying the chaos and
perhaps providing a softer landing when the bottom falls out of
everything upon which you have depended and taken for granted.
Ultimately cooperation will be tested to the limit when it becomes
evident the island will not be able to support its current population.
However unpleasant that may be, you may take cold comfort from
the likelihood that conditions are an order of magnitude worse on the
mainland. Again, the necessity and advantages of leaving an
inheritance for future Kalamoki may take a little while to accept, and
all parties involved must support it completely or it will fail. I am
returning to the mainland at the end of the school year, in about
three months. If you want me to return, in an advisory capacity, I
would demonstrate my commitment by immigrating with my entire
family, in order to throw our lot in with your gene pool. Mr. Norse
knows how to reach me. Thank you for giving me your attention.”

Before adjourning the meeting the chairman opened the floor for
questions. There were none.

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