Agriculture Issues

Permaculture: coming to life on Maui
Local resident Claire Kellerman, of KLARITY.org, founded the Maui Permaculture Network in 2006. She says that the "ethics" of permaculture are: "1) Care of the earth. 2) Care of the people. 3) Sharing and returning the surplus of abundance and beauty." 07.15.08

Are GMOs Safe?
Genetically altered, or genetically modified, organisms, have been around since 1976, when a company called Genetech was established, exploring the "commercial potential" of recombinant DNA technology. There has been active debate about this ever-expanding technology ever since. One of the concerns is the potential, largely unknown, effects of these never-before-in-existence altered plant or animal genes. 07.15.08

Lingle weighs ag land development bill
Owners of prime agricultural land could convert 15 percent of their acreage into new housing developments, under a bill awaiting Gov. Linda Lingle's signature. Concerned parties on both sides have been turning up the heat on Lingle as she weighs the merits of the bill, which would require the landowners to devote the other 85 percent of their property to farm use more or less in perpetuity. Proponents say the bill will help preserve ag land that is being diverted to housing under current land use laws. 06.20.08

Water panel inaction angers taro farmers
Standing in stagnant water in a patch of wilting leaves, Beatrice Kekahuna pulls out a taro plant and presses her thumb through the rotting bottom. "The taro's no good. We need more water ... but now with the drought, we're getting less water," said Kekahuna, 77. "We're getting less water than years ago." Throughout East Maui a number of taro farmers say their summer crop is being ruined by the lack of adequate water and the failure of the state Commission on Water Resource Management to maintain stream flows into their patches. 06.09.08

Big on Bamboo
In a time when many conversations are turning to self-sufficiency, sustainability and revitalizing our economy, growing bamboo seems to outshine the status quo of importing virtually all of our building materials, and more than 90 percent of our food and energy needs. Bamboo is actually a family of plants in the grass family, found in both tropical and temperate climates, and native to all continents except Europe and Antarctica. 05.08.08

The genetic food fight
Since the dawn of time humans have had WYSIWYG food - when you sat down to eat, What You Saw Is What You Got. If it looked and tasted like a potato, it was a potato. But you can't be as sure as your ancestors were about what's on your plate, because scientists are genetically modifying edible things in an ever-growing number of ways. 05.08.08

Digesting a locally-grown future – Kaua'i event examines ways island and state can 'feed ourselves'
The many benefits of eating locally grown food was a big enough issue at the second annual Kaua'i Conservation Conference that more than 300 people attending didn't just talk about it - they did it. An "All-Kaua'i Meal" was a tasty demonstration that growing more food on-island would be well-received, according to satisfied diners at the Friday lunch that included crispy fresh vegetarian fare as well as Kaua'i-raised beef, pork and fish. Like the state as a whole, as much as 95 percent of Kaua'i's food arrives on airplanes or ships from far away, several speakers said. 04.13.08

New Hawaii directory lists organic producers
Hawai'i consumers should find it easier to verify the authenticity of organic products and find places that sell them with the publication of a new directory listing 140 of the state's certified organic growers. The directory, published by the Hilo-based Hawaii Organic Farmers Association, is the first listing all of the state's certified organic producers of crops, honey, livestock and value-added processed products such as jams and jellies. 12.27.07

Irrational fear sustains taboo on handy hemp
A federal judge recently ruled in a court case that, "Industrial hemp may not be the terrible menace the DEA makes it out to be, but industrial hemp is still considered to be a Schedule I controlled substance under the current state of the law in this circuit and throughout the country." In a presidential election year, it is highly unlikely that Congress will exercise the leadership to authorize America's farmers to grow industrial hemp. Yet hemp commercial products can reduce America's carbon footprint and help to combat climate change. 12.02.07

Isolated Kipahulu Might Be "The Last Hawaiian Place"
Plant Taro & Find Your Native Roots
A trip to Kipahulu is like a cold glass of water-nourishing, refreshing and necessary. Located on the southeast side of Maui, Kipahulu is about 30 minutes from Hana and about two hours from Kahului. The area is predominantly Native Hawaiian, having the second-highest percentage of Native Hawaiians in the state (after Ni'ihau). Most families' genealogies extend back hundreds of years. Often referred to as "the last Hawaiian place," Kipahulu is one of the most isolated communities in Hawai'i, off the grid and committed to a self-sufficient lifestyle. 12.07.07

AG Lands and the 'M' Word
Jo Anne Johnson, West Maui's County Council representative, has seen enough. "We've lost sight of our community plan," she said recently before boldly going where few have ventured before-to proposing a moratorium on agricultural subdivisions in her district until traffic impact fees are adopted. "There's no planning going on," Johnson said. "Just sprawl."
Johnson is quick to note that her proposed bill is not a "takings" and wouldn't prevent owners from farming their property. She knows this is just a temporary step-and probably an unpopular one with many-to stimulate discussion and begin to address existing problems. 11.22.07

Johnson proposing moratorium
County Council Member Jo Anne Johnson has spoken out loud what some of her colleagues often call "the 'm' word" when discussing new development: moratorium. Now she's going beyond just saying it. Arguing that development is outpacing infrastructure and planning, Johnson announced that she will introduce a bill that would temporarily preclude new subdivisions of agricultural lands in West Maui. The moratorium could last several years and apply to lands within the West Maui Community Plan District, which stretches from Maalaea to Kahakuloa. 10.27.07

Genetically modified crops rooted in funding
The University of Hawai'i is conducting genetically modified crop research on bananas, tomatoes, petunias and lettuce in an effort to develop hardier, disease-resistant plants. The projects have been going on for several years, but have not been widely publicized. Other ongoing transgenic crop research at UH is being conducted on pineapple, orchids, anthuriums, taro, papaya and limes. UH's drive to develop new transgenic crops is driven by economics, said Stephen Ferreira, an assistant specialist for plant and environmental protection sciences at UH. However, UH's work on papaya and taro has caused a backlash among environmentalists and others. Cultural concerns about UH's work on genetically modified Hawaiian taro varieties ultimately forced the university to abandon that effort. 04.30.07

E. Maui project receives grants via OHA, county
With more than $64,000 in grants, the Kipahulu community hopes to upgrade kitchen to spark economic development in rural East Maui. The kitchen was set up to provide for commercial processing and packaging of fruits and vegetables grown around Kaupo and Kipahulu, including fresh produce as well as crops that can be turned into poi, coconut candy, kulolo, haupia, salad mixes, salsas, and jams and jellies. 04.02.07

FDA Formalizes Proposal to Regulate Herbs, Vitamins
The federal Food and Drug Administration is proposing to regulate a wide variety of alternative medicine products, from vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements to lotions and stones used by massage therapists. The April 30 deadline for public comment has stirred up a storm of protest on the Web since Mike Adams, the self-proclaimed "Health Ranger" from Tucson, posted an alert April 11 at www.newstarget.com. 04.17.07

Biotech firm grows on Molokai
Monsanto, a global company specializing in biotech corn seed crops, has entered a 99-year lease for 1,650 acres of land, of which about 1,200 are suitable for farming. While the expansion means more productivity for Monsanto, as well as more jobs for the island economy, environmental activists -- which include the Sierra Club, Maui Tomorrow and Hui Ho'opakele Aina -- continue to cry out against the growing presence of genetically modified crops on Molokai. They say the modified crops have not been adequately tested for long-term effects and could cross-pollinate with organic crops. 03.24.07

Hunters say outside aid 'slap in the face'
Some Molokai hunters want to shoot down a plan to hire outside professionals to control Hawaii's feral animal population. The Nature Conservancy remains in discussions with Prohunt New Zealand Ltd. to bring in hunters, dogs and a helicopter to four islands to manage wild pigs and other feral animals. Molokai Hunters Association secretary and longtime Native Hawaiian activist Walter Ritte Jr. said he favors conservation efforts but is upset that conservancy officials have not discussed their plans with island residents. 03.19.07

Court Halt on GMO Alfalfa Shows USDA Failure
A court decision overturning US government approval for a biotech alfalfa underscores complaints made for years that the USDA is failing to adequately oversee genetically altered crops, biotech crop critics said on Tuesday. Critics believe it sets a precedent that should prompt more stringent oversight of these controversial crops. 03.15.07

Food or fuel: Should we have to choose between biofuels and locally grown food?
The reality is that food and energy security cannot be separated. The food and biofuel industries require many of the same resources-to grow plants (and raise livestock), to harvest and process those plants (and slaughter animals), to store and transport food and fuel. Hawai'i already has limited resources for agriculture-will biofuel trump food in the islands? 02.28.07

GMO Taro bill update
A GMO Moratorium bill (SB958/704) has passed through all Senate committees and is waiting to be heard in its last cross-over committee in the House - the Ag Committee.  This bill has maintained the 10-year moratorium and is the one we are focusing on now to push through.  In order to get to the floor for a full final vote on each side the hurdle to be crossed this week is to make sure it gets scheduled to be heard in the House AG Committee. 03.06.07

Free Compost Available
The County is offering free compost at its green waste drop-off location on Pulehu Road. The EKO Compost site is filled to capacity and is making compost available at no charge with complimentary assistance in loading the product onto trucks. The site is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 6am until 4pm and on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 7am until 2:30pm. The free compost is available on a first come first served basis. No advance arrangements are required. For more information call 572-8844.

"Industrial Hemp Farming Act" Reintroduced In Congress
Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX), along with nine Democrat co-sponsors, reintroduced legislation in Congress this week to authorize the state-sanctioned cultivation of industrial hemp for commercial purposes. 02.15.07

Sustainable farming vital for health of Isles
Great farmers are inspired to care for the land by sustaining the soils for future generations and to care for community by creating good jobs and delivering flavorful foods. Whether that farmer uses organic or simply sustainable methods, great farmers care. When we support farmers and ranchers who care, we all benefit in many ways, even if it starts at simply great-tasting food. 12.26.06

Maui County "Fine and Fresh" program to promote local farm products
The County of Maui Office of Economic Development, the Maui County Farm Bureau, the Moloka'i Chamber of Commerce, and the Moloka'i Farm Bureau launched "Maui County Fine and Fresh," a new partnership program designed to encourage residents and visitors to buy local, Mayor Alan Arakawa has announced. 11.03.06

Sustainable Design Dream Team holds weekend charrette
Around 20 people gathered last weekend to begin designing Maui's first farm community for developmentally disabled adults and to discuss, among other things, visions of what Sunrise Farm could look and feel like in 30 years. 11.20.06

Deal ensures farm use of Kipahulu site
A Kipahulu landowner has granted a conservation easement to the Maui Coastal Land Trust to assure that a 75-acre property will remain in agricultural use for perpetuity. The property formerly was in sugar cane and used for grazing, but the owner, a family trust, has begun restoring the land as an organic agricultural operation. The farming operation will include orchard trees as well as construction-grade bamboo and varieties of trees that can be harvested as timber, including koa, kou, kamani, mahogany and teak. The area has been named "Ola Honua", for "life-giving earth" 03.04.05.

Organic stamp is a plus for local products
Conventional farms are converting to organic. Mainland farmers are buying local farms. And consumer demand for all things organic is increasing. That demand has spurred growth in related non-farm businesses, including companies that process and handle organic produce. Hawai'i businesses now sell a variety of certified organic products including honey, tofu, even noni leather. 04.05.06

Sugar-based ethanol is unprofitable in the long run, a study says
A new federal study questioning the long-term profitability of sugar-based ethanol "has nothing to do with us" in Hawaii, U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie says. The study, released this week by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, says conversion of sugar cane, sugar beets, raw sugar and refined sugar to ethanol could be profitable in the short term because of recent high ethanol prices. But spot market prices, currently about $4 a gallon, are expected to drop as more ethanol is produced from other sources, chiefly corn, making sugar-based ethanol less profitable, the study states. 07.14.06