Exposing the Dark Side of Hawai'i Tourism: A Situated Augmented Reality Approach

Core Concepts

Situated augmented reality can be used to bring awareness to the historical context, contemporary issues, and identity harm inflicted by tourism in Hawai'i.

Abstract

This position paper presents a process artifact that aims to use situated augmented reality to reveal the hidden aspects of tourism in Hawai'i. The authors first provide historical background on how Hawai'i was transformed into a tourist destination, often at the expense of the indigenous Kānaka Maoli community. They then discuss how related augmented reality work can inform strategies for building experiences that address cultural issues.
The proposed prototype will showcase an augmented reality (AR) storytelling experience that leverages geolocation to design site-specific interactions. Users will be able to engage with various public locations featuring digital AR objects that depict:

Historical Context: Providing information about the history and intentions of settler colonialism in Hawai'i through the display of historical artifacts.

Contemporary Issues: Bringing awareness to recent issues regarding the exclusion of Kānaka Maoli art in the Hawaii Convention Center.

Identity Harm: Displaying examples of the commercialization and caricaturization of native values and practices, such as the 1943 advertisement of a sexualized "Hawaiian" hula girl.

The authors emphasize that the artifacts presented through AR will be curated in collaboration with the Kānaka Maoli and local Hawai'i community, aiming to amplify their voices and concerns to the broader audience.
The paper concludes by proposing topics for discussion, such as how to best present and contextualize archival materials for social justice, how to ensure that situated augmented reality empowers locals, and what are the best practices for facilitating local institutions' augmented reality capabilities.

Stats

"In a working paper for The Economic Research Organization at the University of Hawai'i, James Mak describes the history of colonial tourism, referring to a 1902 publication by the Merchants' Association of Honolulu where the committee noted their hopes of expanding tourism to foster a "permanent population of the most desirable character" and shape Hawai'i into a "white republic"."
"Haunani-Kay Trask refers to the practice of the commercialization of altered native values and practices as 'cultural prostitution' which leads to cultural exploitation and erasure."

Quotes

"Haunani-Kay Trask refers to the practice of the commercialization of altered native values and practices as 'cultural prostitution' which leads to cultural exploitation and erasure."
"Upon the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893, white politicians and businessmen spearheaded the plan for building Hawai'i as a tourist destination."

Key Insights Distilled From

Revealing Aspects of Hawai'i Tourism Using Situated Augmented Reality

by Karen Abe,Ju... at arxiv.org 04-25-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2404.15610.pdf

Deeper Inquiries

How can situated augmented reality be leveraged to empower local and indigenous communities in reclaiming their narratives and histories?

Situated augmented reality can be a powerful tool for empowering local and indigenous communities to reclaim their narratives and histories by providing a platform for them to share their stories and perspectives directly with a wider audience. By incorporating digital assets that depict historical and cultural information specific to their community, AR experiences can serve as a means of preserving and promoting indigenous knowledge and heritage. This technology allows for the creation of immersive storytelling experiences that can engage users in a more interactive and impactful way, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the community's history and culture. Furthermore, by involving community members in the creation and curation of AR content, their voices and perspectives can be amplified, ensuring that the narratives presented are authentic and representative of their lived experiences.

What are the potential ethical considerations and challenges in depicting sensitive historical and cultural information through augmented reality experiences?

When depicting sensitive historical and cultural information through augmented reality experiences, there are several ethical considerations and challenges that need to be carefully addressed. One key consideration is the importance of ensuring that the content presented is accurate, respectful, and culturally sensitive. It is essential to work closely with community members, cultural experts, and historians to verify the authenticity of the information and to avoid misrepresentation or distortion of the narratives being shared. Additionally, issues of consent, ownership, and intellectual property rights must be taken into account when using cultural materials in AR experiences. Respecting the privacy and wishes of the community is crucial, and obtaining proper permissions and approvals for the use of cultural artifacts is essential to avoid exploitation or harm. Furthermore, considerations around data privacy, accessibility, and inclusivity should also be addressed to ensure that the AR experiences are designed and implemented in an ethical and responsible manner.

How can the development of this situated augmented reality artifact be used as a model for other communities to address the negative impacts of tourism and colonialism in their own contexts?

The development of the situated augmented reality artifact focusing on the negative impacts of tourism and colonialism in Hawai'i can serve as a valuable model for other communities looking to address similar issues in their own contexts. By showcasing how AR technology can be used to raise awareness, educate, and advocate for social justice, this artifact demonstrates the potential for leveraging digital tools to engage with complex historical and cultural narratives. Other communities can draw inspiration from this project's approach to incorporating historical context, contemporary issues, and cultural perspectives into AR experiences. By involving community members, local stakeholders, and experts in the development process, communities can ensure that their narratives are accurately represented and that the AR experiences are culturally relevant and impactful. This model can be adapted and customized to address the specific challenges and concerns faced by different communities, providing a framework for using technology as a means of promoting cultural preservation, social justice, and community empowerment.