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The Kaua`i Eco-Roundtable Enters Its Second Year
We want to thank all the many hands that have supported the idea of the Eco-Roundtable and continue to support it for the benefit of Kaua`i and the betterment of our relationship with her. With a special mahalo to Gordon & Diana LaBedz for their partnership and dedication.
For a copy of this in press release format please link here
KAUA`I - This quarter's meeting, to take place on Tuesday, February 26th , 6:00 pm at the Memorial Conventional Hall in Lihu`e, will focus on both immediate issues and long-term sustainability planning. With the recent struggles around the Superferry, development in Koloa, GMO taro, and so on, there is an abundance of community desire and determination to make positive change on Kaua`i. The most productive way to move forward is to network with one-another by exchanging information and building coalitions that take action that provides lasting, positive change.
The format of this quarter's meeting includes:
- 6:00 - 6:30pm - Pre-meeting Networking
- 6:30 - 7:15pm - Start: Introduction and issue reports (including legislation)
- 7:15 - 8:00pm - Committee break-outs to define action steps
- 8:00 - 8:15pm - District reports
- 8:15 - 8:30pm - District break-outs
After a half hour of networking, we'll start off the meeting with brief updates on some of the most pressing current issues. These may include the spraying of pesticides near Waimea Middle School, Koke`e (no, this issue has not gone away), over-development in Koloa, cruise ships, and GMO taro. The people leading the charge on these issues will give brief presentations, including the best ways to stay informed and get involved. Also included will be an update on some of the most critical 2008 state legislation, as well as what has been happening at the county level. SaveKauai.org is tracking several state and county bills and providing the space and resources for you to dialogue on them or add to the list.
Following the presentations, there will be break-out groups in the areas of oceans, housing, food, energy, transportation, waste, ahupua`a/watershed, military, and chemical use. Other groups may wish to form around specific issues not mentioned here and can be done in real time based on attendee interest.
We also realize there are many community groups already working in these areas, so most break out groups will be facilitated by those who are already involved and well versed in the particular areas of interest. The focus of the break outs being to pick one or two actions that will solve elements of the issue being discussed and reach consensus on how to move those ahead.
The last portion of the meeting is dedicated to continuing to organize and build community within the areas we live. There will be brief reports about the latest happenings within each district, and then people will be given a chance to connect with others who live in their area. Ideally, we should be working towards managing land, water and community, drawing from traditional Hawai`ian knowledge about how to live sustainably by ahupua`a.
About Kaua`i Eco-Roundtable
The Kaua`i Eco-Roundtable is a network open to all those interested in the sustainable future of Kaua`i. The network hosts a quarterly meeting, which serves as a public forum for individuals and organizations to spread information, build coalitions, and move forward on issues. The meeting also serves as a clearinghouse for volunteer opportunities and upcoming events. The public is encouraged to come listen, learn and participate.
The Eco-Roundtable meets once per quarter at the Memorial Convention Hall in Lihu`e. For more information, please contact Andrea Brower at (808) 828-0685, by e-mail at andrea@malamakauai.org.
For a copy of this in press release format please link here.
For more general information, please contact Malama Kauai at (808) 828-0685 or by e-mail at info@malamakauai.org.
Malama Kaua`i is a Kilauea based non-profit working to raise awareness on the importance of sustainability and to assist in implementing sustainable project and practices that build community.
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