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We hope our second e-newsletter finds you well this holiday season. Remember to let us know about important, sustainable events coming up so we can share!
*Malama Kaua'i is a Kilauea based non-profit working to raise awareness on the importance of sustainability, to assist in implementing sustainable practices and support sustainable projects beneficial to the community.
Malama Kaua'i has been working with different farmers of the Kilauea community to identify issues facing the success of farming and assist where possible to protect what is one of the most important occupations on our island. We recently talked with KKCR's MamaRosa who is also the Kaua'i-Director-at-Large and serves on the Board of Directors for HOFA, the Hawaii Organic Farmers Association.
Malama: How did you get involved with HOFA?
MamaRosa: Kaua'i did not have a rep on the board for a number of years. Louisa Wooten, from Kunana Dairy Farm asked me and Hugh (my husband) to consider running in the election. After all of the effort I put into educating our local public about GMO's (genetically modified organism), this seemed like the perfect next step. During the time when I was intensely involved with the GMO issue, it struck me that the organic farmers on Kaua'i were not working together and thus had no representation of their values and needs. The opportunity to work with HOFA really excited me I can use my position on the board to gain access to many resources I did not have before. I also have more access and respect from politicians. In the past, I had run-ins with the Kaua'i Farm Bureau, but recently we've come together on projects. They even sponsored our last annual meeting here on Kaua'i! I am so excited about all of us working together to support farmers, ag and sustainable living!
Malama: So HOFA is an organic certification organization. What exactly is the importance of being "certified organic" versus just saying you are organic?
MamaRosa: This is a very important and revealing question, a question I would like all of us to ask, whether we are a seller, producer, or consumer. What is really coming to light for me is the importance surrounding the integrity of the word "organic". If having truly "organic" food is important to you, then supporting the integrity is just as important. These are interesting times Organic equals profit for big business and thus integrity is at risk. If you want to support organic integrity, then support organic organizations! There are some huge battles going on, either by legislation or in your own local market Is that tomato on your plate supporting your local economy? How much energy did it take to get it from the farm to you? How long ago was it picked? How much nutrition is it retaining since being picked?
I believe one answer is to buy local. Did you know an orange continues to lose its vitamin C after being picked. I want to eat it as soon after harvest as I can, maybe right off the tree! We have access to this only at our local markets!
Support the local farmer and request he be certified.Certification is the only way you can be sure of his farming practices. Is he properly composting so that the crop is safe from bacterial growth? Is there a 'buffer' area to protect against nearby contamination?
Local conventional crops barely have to follow any rules compared to certified organic farms. A certified farm is the most regulated and thus likely the most safe. And if someone is selling their crops as 'organic' and they are not certified, besides it being illegal, they are doing a HUGE diservice to the consumer, other farms, and the integrity of organics. We need more support to keep integrity alive! BIg corporations are currently lobbying to lower standards set by the USDA as to what the definition of "organic" is. I say, support local farmers, support all organic organizations and educate ourselves about the issue so that we know what we are getting when it says "organic" on the label or sign.
Malama: It sounds easy to say you are organic but having a certification, like a HOFA certification, actually proves that you as a farmer or retailer are providing the USDA's definition of organic. One last question, what are you currently focused on?
MamaRosa: I am very interested in the upcoming legislative session. I want to protect ag land. This may be one of the most crucial points in the upcoming session. Also, I want to educate the public on the value of buying local. I want more support from our local government for local growers and the markets. I would like the USDA begin educating and enforcing the organic guidelines. If local store owners could take on more responsibiltiy and consumers ask more questions, that would be a great support as well. I would also like to see the re-evaluation of housing restrictions on ag land and the legality of composting toilets. There is a big concern with farmers about housing for workers right now.
For more information or to contact MamaRosa email her at: theloquatlounge@hotmail.com. You can also look for Rosa's husband, Hugh, at the Kilauea Sunshine Market every Thursday at 4:30 PM in front of the Kilauea Gym. For more information about HOFA please visit their website at: www.hawaiiorganicfarmers.org
Malama Kaua'i is helping to organize a post holiday swap meet so that we keep all of our old items out of our land fills once all those new presents arrive to replace them. This is a great opportunity to make some money or just swap old belongings with other folks in the community. We plan to have the Salvation Army on site with a truck to take away usable items that you can't sell or trade away during the day. Community groups and non-profits are also welcome to have informational or fundraiser booths at the event. The idea is in line with the "Reduce, reuse and recycle" theme we are promoting in 2007. The swap meet will be located between the Kilauea Stone Building and the Kilauea Post Office. If you are interested in having a booth space we just need to register you so give us a call at the Malama Kaua'i main office: 828-0685. Malama Kaua'i is also looking for volunteers to help organize this event. If you want to participate in a positive event for Kilauea, give us a call or email us anytime. Mahalo!
Friday, December 8th, Leadership Kaua'i and sponsors including Malama Kaua'i, KIUC, Oceanic Time/Warner Cable, Hilton and others presented the showing Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" at KCC Performing Arts Theater. Over 450 people attended the viewing of the film. Following the show, many participated in the panel discussion that included JoAnn Yukimura (Kaua'i County Council), Professor Mike Mottl (UH-Manoa), Brian Schatz (former state legislator) and Ben Sullivan (chair of Apollo Kaua'i) and hosted by KONG Radio's own Ron Wiley. Questions from the audience were answered as the discussion focused on global warming and it's effects on Kaua'i. The continued hope is to organize more events where this and other films and experts can discuss the issue with concerned citizens. Ultimately, a Kaua'i based global warming task force might take the lead on future endeavors. If you are interested in being involved with such a task force please call Malama Kaua'i at 828.0685 or email us.
If you were not able to make the showing at KCC, Malama Kaua'i and Apollo Kaua'i will be presenting a FREE showing of the film Thursday, December 14, at the Kilauea Lighthouse Bistro, 8:00 PM. This showing includes the extra 30 minute update from Al Gore not previously shown in the theatrical release. For more information please contact Malama Kaua'i at 828.0685.
- December 11, Monday, 6:30 PM
Community, Agriculture & Ethics: Movie and Discussion about GMO on Kaua'i
@ The Waimea Neighborhood Center - More Info
- December 11, Monday, 6:30 PM
Small Town & ApolloKauai.org Presents the Film "Sweet Remedy"
@ Small Town Coffee, Kapa'a - More Info
- December 12, Tuesday, 1:30 PM
Support an Ordinance to Limit Big Box Retailers on Kaua'i
@ County Planning Commission, Lihu'e - More Info
- December 12 - 14, Tuesday - Thursday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Fostering Sustainable Behavior Workshop
@ Tokai University Pacific Center, O'ahu - More Info
- December 13, Wednesday, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Apollo Kaua'i Monthly Meeting: Biofuels for Hawai'i
@ HGEA Headquarters, Lihu'e - More Info
- December 14, Thursday, 5:00 PM
State Plans for Koke'e Presentation by Peter Young of DLNR
@ Round County Building in Lihu'e, Meeting Rooms 2A and 2B - More Info
- December 14, Thursday, 8:00 PM
Teach-in Movie Nights in Kilauea: "An Inconvenient Truth"
@ Kilauea Lighthouse Bistro, FREE - More Info
- December 16, Saturday, 9:00 AM
December Beach Clean-up with Malama Maha'ulepu & Surfrider Kaua'i
@ Maha'ulepu - More Info
- December 19, Tuesday, 5:30 PM
KCOP Kilauea Holiday Program
@ Kilauea Gym - More Info
- January 6, Saturday, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Kilauea's Post Holiday Swap Meet
@ Area between Kilauea Stone Building and Kilauea Post Office - More Info
- February 2 & 3, Friday & Saturday
Max3R Conference: Maximum Reduce, Reuse & Recycle
@ KCC Performing Arts Theater and Campus, Puhi - More Info
If you know of an upcoming event that should receive a mention please let us know at: info@malamakauai.org or 828-0685.
Malama Kaua'i is a Kilauea based non-profit working to raise awareness on the importance of sustainability, to assist in implementing sustainable practices and support sustainable projects beneficial to the community.
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