Sustainability Science: The rigorous application of crticial analyses via scientific method and systems thinking, across all disciplines relevant to a contemporary issue, in order to identify values and design solutions which reinforce the coexsistence of both human societies and natural systems in perpetuity. 

Historically, scientific inquiry pursues knowledge for its own sake, using scientific methods to ensure a rigorous search for new facts. Other disciplines like philosophy, humanities or politics may seek to determine wherein lay our values, or what 'should be'. Sustainability science bridges these concepts, applying the rigor of scientific method to determine both the facts of our circumstances and what ends we should pursue; in other words our values. By focusing on the interactions between humans and the ecosystems on which we rely allows us to derive facts and values intended to sustain our natural systems and meet critical human needs in the face of change and incresing complexity.

Sustainability advocacy often generates passion and energy while identifying important issues, yet these efforts commonly lead to either seemingly small projects or the feeling that "there's just too much to consider!". This is because sustainability requires a holisitc look at the related circumstances, which can be overwhelming. Because Maui is a 'closed system' however, it is natural to consider and research the island-wide ramifications of new practices or policies. We call it our 'test tube' and it is real. Maui is a living laboratory for observing successes and failures in sustainability pursuit.