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