Over the years, Hawai'i has changed to adapt to the modern world, but also to improve the lives of those who live in this beautiful state.

While growth is important, we cannot neglect the aesthetics that have preserved the look of Hawai'i for decades.

Photos from the early part of the 20th century show Hawai'i as a pristine place with few multi-level buildings and numerous mom-and-pop stores. But, now, Hawai'i is slowly turning into "Any State, USA."

From townhouses to skyscrapers, the new look of Hawai'i does not accurately reflect our history.

Sustaining the aesthetics of Hawai'i begins by assessing the architecture of newly constructed buildings and homes.

The facades on newer structures are lacking Hawaiian inspiration, and the adaptation of Mainland styles are ushering out the local feel.

Proudly, our state Capitol still showcases architecture that holds profound meaning for our islands, with the incorporation of varying symbols to help narrate our history. The number eight functions in the foundation of the capitol (groups of eight support columns) to signify our eight original Hawaiian islands, and the open-aired building mimics the structure of a volcano.

The interior of the Senate chambers is designed to imitate flowing lava, and the magnificent chandelier represents the sun, a source for sustainability of all life.

There was a time when more of Downtown Honolulu still retained a local feeling; now the streets are cluttered with high-rises that look like those found in any Mainland city.

Newly erected townhouses in Hawai'i Kai stick out from the surrounding homes and seem out of place. These colonial-style townhouses are nice, but they do not sustain the aesthetics of true Hawai'i.

Preservation of our native aesthetics is an integral part of the sustainability of the Islands.

When Waikiki was still growing decades ago, hotels and major retail stores still did not crowd every street along the beachfront.

But, now, Waikiki has transformed into a money-making powerhouse. Tourism has contributed immensely to Hawai'i' s success, and ridding the area of corporations and establishments for the sake of sustainability would severely damage our economy.

Finding the balance between preservation and progression teeters along a fine line. Tourism is so crucial to Hawai'i's development that seeking sustainability in Waikiki is proving to be difficult when companies can so easily sweep in and push out mom-and-pop stores.

But does this increase in commercialism give tourists an image that may not accurately reflect the spirit of our islands?

Twenty-story hotels did not spike the skyline of Waikiki and the streets were not so crowded long ago. Hawai'i was serene without the hype of business, and locals sought comfort in surfing and dining in nearby eateries. However, the look has changed and while the increase in revenue may help Hawai'i, are we truly fostering sustainability?

As a state, we must step back and realize that sustainability is not only about preserving our economy, but our aesthetics as well.

Holding onto the feel of native Hawai'i is crucial to setting our state apart from the rest of America. If we become overly commercialized, we lose our sense of home and of the culture of this land.

Identifying the native look of Hawai'i can sometimes be difficult because foreign influences have shaped Hawai'i early on, but these influences should be viewed as a contribution to Hawai'i's history. Sustainability of our state through aesthetics is simply about safeguarding our history through architecture, which should preserve Hawai'i's legacy for years to come.

Sean Maekawa, a Honolulu resident, is a sophomore at 'Iolani School and a member of The Advertiser's Teen Editorial Board.