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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Ku Kahakalau, Ph.D. <br /> P.O. Box 1764 <br /> Honoka'a, Hawai'i 968727 <br /> (808) 775-0867 <br /> Kukahakalau@kalo.org <br /> Jan 18, <br /> <br /> 2008 <br /> Aloha Council Members <br /> <br /> <br /> My name is Dr. Ku Kahakalau and I strongly implore you <br /> <br /> to please support Resolution 462-08, which urges the <br /> Hawai'i State Legislature to pass S.B. 958 S.D.1H.D.1.. <br /> <br /> This bill imposes a moratorium on developing, testing, <br /> propagating, cultivating, growing, and raising of <br /> <br /> genetically modified taro in the State of Hawai'i. <br /> As Hawaiian practitioners, we practice a familial <br /> relationship between our `ohana and the taro. We take care <br /> <br /> of the taro, like our kupuna have done for countless <br /> generations, and in turn the taro takes care of us, like it <br /> <br /> has done from the beginning of time. This reciprocity is <br /> essential for both to survive. Since the taro can't speak, <br /> <br /> we his `ohana have a kuleana to speak up and protect our <br /> older sibling Haloanakalaukapalili from being altered in <br /> <br /> any way. <br /> Taro is sacred. It is the bodyform of one of our <br /> <br /> major gods, the god Kane, whose other bodyforms sunlight <br /> and freshwater are essential for growing taro. For us taro <br /> <br /> is much more than just a plant. It is our `ohana. This <br /> cannot be emphasized enough to an industry that is strictly <br /> <br /> out to make profits. This is not about producing a better <br /> taro. We don't need a better taro. Our taro is just fine. <br /> While there are diseases that are affecting our taro, these <br /> <br /> diseases can and have been controlled by conventional <br />