The Hawaii House of Representatives Select Committee on COVID-19 Economic and Financial Preparedness has announced that it has been holding briefings with business, government, nonprofit, and labor leaders for several weeks to plan for a post-coronavirus economy in Hawaii.
Then, on April 8, Gov. David Ige introduced Resolution No. 54, which establishes the related Hawaii Economic and Community Recovery task force.
House Speaker Scott Saiki offered his full-throated support -
This pandemic has reaffirmed what we have known for awhile — that our economy must be diversified and cannot be over-reliant on one or two major industries. This task force must help modernize our economy. The future of our families and state relies upon a sound and resilient economy.
We, the undersigned (see below), are concerned that there are no farmers, or groups that represent Native Hawaiians and everyday working people on the task force that will determine our collective economic future.
It is critical to examine what Saiki means when he talks about a “sound and resilient economy” for Hawaii. We cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that unemployment claims nationally have ballooned to 26 million as of April 23 and are still growing.
Wildcat strikes are flaring up across the U.S., and businesses are folding by the thousands. And the cascading effect is just beginning.
The world as we have always known it, is unraveling. We are heading toward no less than a second Great Depression, with no way of knowing how to predict what a post-pandemic world would even look like.
However, we know one thing for certain: that Hawaii’s first priority is to get to feeding itself, as quickly as possible. Right now, Hawaii imports 90% of its food, which is growing scanter by the week as supply chains fizzle out, under the pressure of a pandemic-crippled global economy.
Change Must Be Strategic
We also know that it is very much in the realm of possibility that we may be slammed by another freak event just as unforeseen as COVID-19. It may be a climate event. It may be a political event. It may be another pandemic, or perhaps a series of pandemics, as has been predicted.
Given the reality that it is unlikely that we can ever go back to “normal,” it is of utmost urgency that the first step in rebuilding a post-pandemic economy is to focus entirely on building a Hawaii-grown infrastructure focused on feeding Hawaii. That would ensure that, regardless of what disaster comes our way, at least we will have laid the groundwork for maximum resiliency, to avoid widespread starvation in Hawaii.
Such a food-security infrastructure would include massive education funding, capital improvement projects, and support for all aspects of regenerative farming, which if done correctly, diverts waste from the landfills and produces healthy soil that captures carbon from the atmosphere. It would also mean a living wage for all, and would help to strengthen the economic vitality and resiliency of rural communities.
Token actions will not suffice. Change must be strategic, systemic and wide-sweeping, and on an order of magnitude equal to the Great Mahele. We must mobilize immediately to create jobs and policy that will serve our people now, as well as over the next seven generations.
The Green New Deal, with agriculture as Hawaii’s “jewel in the crown,” is the best approach to creating a thriving food-secure economy. It would support a livable planet by creating an inclusive, decentralized, equitable economy that considers environment, labor, education, disability rights, women’s rights, veterans’ rights, and others.
No one should be compelled to work at a job that harms either their health, the health of their family, or the health of the planet. Such an economy would embrace the wisdom of native peoples, and their rights, as clearly set forth in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.
These multiple facets are often viewed as “pesky obstacles” from a corporate, profit-margin perspective, but that short-sighted paradigm has proven to be severely flawed. Now, we must think holistically and include the diverse needs of Hawaii’s own local communities first, rather than profits. This, by its very definition, is the fabric of resiliency.
Now is the time to craft an economy that works for everyone. Hawaii is already home to thousands of farmers; we must support them, instead of providing sweetheart deals to out-of-state corporations.
Our own farmers know, better than anyone, what they need to do to grow healthy local food. Yet farmers’ voices are rarely at the table in the halls of power. You will find many of those voices signed below.
Hawaii Can Feed Itself
Further, we must support an education infrastructure that supports young people to prosper by studying regenerative agriculture, such as offering tuition-plus-stipend for agriculture students. Hawaii can feed itself, if we want to do so.
Simply put, COVID-19 and other potential pandemics are sending us into uncharted waters. If we care about Hawaii’s future for all her people, we must build an infrastructure of regenerative agriculture right now that provides a livable wage to island families.
This would be the required foundation for a modernized economy. This would be how to truly support local farmers and all the associated peripheral businesses – suppliers, value-added cottage industry products, cafes, restaurants, etc.
Last year, members of the caucuses for the environment, labor and education of the Democratic Party of Hawaii came together to form the Green New Deal working group. We drafted 27 bills distributed among eight sectors. In addition to agriculture, sectors included ecosystem restoration, education, energy, waste management, health and human services, housing, and transportation.
Each Green New Deal bill was prefaced with the following preamble (adjusted to include “pandemic” as one of the climate-induced global crises):
The Legislature finds that the human-induced global climate crisis requires thoughtful but bold response on many fronts to make Hawaii communities resilient to the impacts of pandemics, storms, floods, fire, and sea-level rise that threaten the very survivability of these fragile islands.
Lest Hawaii lose its leadership position in meeting the future, and in the arenas of labor, justice and equity, the Legislature embraces Aloha Aina to decarbonize Hawaii’s systems of food, energy, and transportation, and to sequester carbon through systems of agriculture, waste management and ecosystem restoration.
The good jobs created thereby also expand access to health, housing and education, ensuring justice and equity for Hawaii’s citizens. The following measure represents a forward step in mitigating and adapting Hawaii to inevitable change.
We, the undersigned, request that Resolution 54’s economic task force make the Green New Deal central to its strategic plan. We also request that the task force and its Special Committee include regenerative farmers, indigenous groups, zero-waste experts, and members of the Democratic Party of Hawaii Green New Deal Working Group.
For more information about the Just Transition Hawaii Coalition, please send an email to koohanpaik@gmail.com.
The Just Transition Hawaii Coalition - Kawika Pegram, executive director, Hawaii Youth Climate Coalition; Lanakila Mangauil, executive director, Hawaiian Cultural Center of Hamakua; Hector Valenzuela, Vegetable Crops Extension Specialist, UH Manoa; Ku Kahakalau, indigenous educator, Waipio Valley; Nalei Kahakalau, traditional kalo planter, Waipio Valley; Jason Bradshaw, Hawaii Democratic Party Labor Caucus, Chair; George Kahumoku, Native Hawaiian planter of over 300 varieties of fruits, veggies, laau lapaau herbs and teas, rancher of cattle, sheep, goats chickens and ducks, cultural practitioner, five-time Grammy winner; Kealia Farms dba Kahumoku Farms, Lahaina, Maui; Samuel and Tyrell Kapoi, SK Global Inc. – Kalo Bombs, ‘Ohana O Hāloa, Puea, Waianae; Nalani Kaneakua, Limu Farmer/Koʻolau Limu Restoration Project, Anahola, Kauai; Kapena and Ku‘ulei Worden, Worden ‘Aina Farm, Waianae; Lana Olson, Hawaii Democratic Party Environment Caucus Chair; Jeff McKnight, Hawaii Democratic Party Environment Caucus Secretary; Yoshito L’Hote, executive director, ‘Aina Hookupu o Kilauea, Kauai; Meleana Judd-Cox, farm manager, Waihuena Farm, Oahu; Koohan Paik-Mander, Pacific Earth Institute, Hamakua, Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, kumu and community leader, Oahu; Hawaii Ulu Producers Cooperative (over 90 farms), Hawaii Island; Jenny Pell, Board member of Food Security Hawaii, and Project manager of ‘Ohana Gardens, Maui; Bryan and Natalie Mesa, De La Mesa Farms, Waimanalo, Kristine Kubat, president, Recycle Hawaii, Hilo; Ikuko Kay Kurata, farmer and beekeeper, Hawaii Makoa, LLC, Hamakua; Steve Dias, farmer/rancher, Dias Farm and Ranch, Hamakua; Anna Maria Kapua, farmer/rancher, Dias Farm and Ranch, Hamakua; Robert Kapua, farmer/rancher, Dias Farm and Ranch, Hamakua; Colehour Bondera, farmer of Kanalani Ohana Farm certified organic, Board of Directors of Kona Coffee Farmers Association President, Board of Directors of American Origin Products Association Board Member of Kona County Farm Bureau; Bruce Corker, farmer of Rancho Aloha organic coffee farm; Chet Gardiner, Cassandra Farms, Honomalino, vice president of Kona Coffee Farmers Association and member of Farmers and Ranchers for a Green New Deal; Ikaika Hussey, UNITE HERE Local 5 organizer, founder of ‘Iliʻili, a multi-stakeholder cooperative working on strengthening Hawaii’s economy through investments in decarbonization, food security and smarter urbanism, Kalihi, Oahu; Leilani Lindsey-Kaapuni, president of Hui Aloha ʻĀina; Lisa Hinano Rey, Agroforestry Farmer, Policy Entrepreneur, STEM Educator, Windward Community College, Oahu; Janine Holstein, farmer/owner, Maui Majesty, Kula, Maui; Dash Kuhr, Starseed Ranch, Kohala, Hawaii Island, Becky Gardner, candidate for House District 20, St. Louis Heights, Palolo, Maunalani Heights, Wilhelmina Rise, Kaimuki; Jeremy Hillstrom, True Leaf Farms Inc., Moloaa, Kauai; Bradford Ikemanu Tin Cheong Lum, Kumu Hula and Kahu, Halau Hula O Ikemanu, Honolulu; Bart Dame, Democratic National Committeeman for Hawaii; Fern Anuenue Holland, Kauai; Shannon Schultz, BEEing Aloha Honey Co., Hawaii Island; Carl McKinney, Farmer, Hawaii Island Goat Dairy, Honokaa; Kim Coco Iwamoto, Enlightened Energy, LLC; Rev. M. Kalani Souza, cultural practitioner, Paauilo; Raymond Catania, labor advocate, Kauai; Ana Nawahine-Kahoʻopiʻi, Kumu hula, DHHL beneficiary, backyard farming design, Kupuna Council of Aloha Aina Party; Blake Watson, Regenerative farmer and organic land manager, Glenwood, Hawaii Island; Maritez Libed, farmer, Tess Garden, Paauilo, Hawaii Island; Lori Beach, Executive Manager, Hamakua Agricultural Cooperative; Yuri Zhuraw, Farmer, Food Forest Farm, Honokaa; Nancy Redfeather, farmer, Kawanui Farm, Honalo, Hawaii Island; Aunty Maxine Kahaʻulelio, Pastoral leaseholder, rancher, DHHL beneficiary, Kupuna Council of Aloha Aina Party; Albert Kahoʻopiʻi Jr., pastoral rancher, farmer, vertical growing designs, DHHL beneficiary; Ponoʻi Kahoʻopiʻi, farmer, vertical growing designs, DHHL beneficiary; Katy Benjamin, Barenaba Farm, Hiio; Daniela Spoto Kittinger, director of Anti-Hunger Initiatives, Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice; Fiona Fong Weingartner, School Garden Educator, Honokaa; Tanya Yamanaka Aynessazian, Backyard farmer, Keaau, Hawaii Island; Jess Sobocinski, FoodCorps Hawaii Program Manager, Michael Manor, farmer, Mother Nature’s Miracle, Hamakua; Laura Markham, Big Island Creamery, Waimea, Hawaii Island; Kaitlyn Jacobs, Legislative Coordinator, Surfrider Foundation, Oahu chapter; Young Progressives Demanding Action, Honolulu; Henry Curtis, Life of the Land, Oahu; Axel Kratel, Carbon-capture regenerative farmer, Hilo; Tina Grandinetti, Hawaii Peace and Justice, UH Manoa; Joshua Cooper, Hawaii Institute for Human Rights, Kapahulu, Oahu, Noel Kent, Department of Ethnic Studies, UH Manoa; Thayne Taylor, Kauai Sea Farm, Kalaheo; Gerald Klappert, Farmer, Wailuku, Maui; Jack Lockwood, Puhau St. Farmers League, Hilo; Mille Kohl, Haiku, Maui; Michael deYcaza, Honolulu; Luella Nohea Crutcher, Waawaa, Oahu; Mark Chavez, climate justice advocate, Oahu; Lori Adolewski, Kaneohe, Oahu; Eric Bowman, Hamakua; Tina Wildberger, House District 11 Representative, South Maui.
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
FREE HAWAI`I TV
THE FREE HAWAI`I BROADCASTING NETWORK "WHAT WILL BE HAWAI`IʻS NEW #1 INDUSTRY?"
It Was Tourism For Decades.
But Because Of Covid-19 There Will Now Be A New Normal.
The New #1 Industry Is Something Anyone Can Do.
Watch To See What It Is & How You Can Help Create A Hawai`i Economy That Works For Everyone.
ONLY THE PEOPLE CHANGE HERE ON “VOICES OF TRUTH - ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`IʻS FUTURE"
"Only The People Change -A Visit With Kapa`ihi Umebayashi"
Hereʻs a story weʻve long wanted to tell you - the unique and special relationship between Hawaiians and the taro plant which goes back centuries. To do that we spent an afternoon with Kapa`ihi Umebayashi, a farmer at Kako`o`Oiwi on O`ahuʻs beautiful windward side. He explained to us taro is not just a staple food for Hawaiians, but theyʻre actually related to it. Join us in our amazing visit with Kapa`ihi as he explains the ancient ties between Hawaiians, taro and Hawai`iʻs land and what they have to teach all of us if we only listen -Watch It Here MONDAY, February 5thAt 6:30 PM –Maui – Akaku, Channel 54
MONDAY, February 5th At 2:00 PM & FRIDAY, February 9th At 5:30 PM – Hawai`i Island –Na Leo, Channel 53
NEW! - NowMore Na Leo O Hawai`i Air Dates - TUESDAY, February 6th At 11:00 AM & SATURDAY, February 10th At 8:30 AM – Hawai`i Island –Na Leo, Channel 54
TUESDAY, February 6th At 7:30 PM,THURSDAY, February 8th At 7:30 PM & SATURDAY, February 10th At 5:30 PM –Kaua`i - Ho`ike, Channel 52
SATURDAY, February 10th At 5:30 PM –O`ahu - `Olelo, Channel 53
Now you can become a fan of Voices Of Truth on Facebook by clicking Here and see behind the scenes photos of our shows and a whole lot more.
Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants. We hope you'll be inspired to do the same. Voices Of Truth now airs on local access stations in over 90 cities across the US and throughout the world. Check your local listings. For news and issues that affect you, watch Free Hawai`i TV, a part of the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network. Please share our Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network videos with friends and colleagues. That's how we grow. Mahalo.
Sunday, October 09, 2016
THE JOY OF POI ON “VOICES OF TRUTH - ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`IʻS FUTURE"
"Kaloman - A Visit With Keoki Fukumitsu
His dream has always been to be a kalo or taro farmer. And for seven generations Keokiʻs family has been stewards of their land on O`ahuʻs windward side growing taro, the plant from which poi is made, the staple diet of Hawaiians. Yet today, theyʻre in danger of losing their property to developers and others. Join us in our visit with Keoki in the beautiful valley of Hakipu`u as he explains the cultural and environmental importance of taro and see for yourself why they call him the Kaloman- Watch It Here MONDAY, October 10thAt 6:30 PM –Maui – Akaku, Channel 53 MONDAY, October 10th At 7:00 PM & FRIDAY, October 14th At 5:30 PM – Hawai`i Island –Na Leo, Channel 53 TUESDAY, October 11thAt 7:30 PM,THURSDAY, October 13th At 7:30 PM & SATURDAY, October 15th At 5:30 PM –Kaua`i - Ho`ike, Channel 52 SATURDAY, October 15th At 5:30 PM –O`ahu - `Olelo, Channel 53
Now you can become a fan of Voices Of Truth on Facebook by clicking Here and see behind the scenes photos of our shows and a whole lot more.
Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants. We hope you'll be inspired to do the same. Voices Of Truth now airs on local access stations in over 90 cities across the US and throughout the world. Check your local listings. For news and issues that affect you, watch Free Hawai`i TV, a part of the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network. Please share our Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network videos with friends and colleagues. That's how we grow. Mahalo.
Monday, October 03, 2016
BECOME A FAN OF "VOICES OF TRUTH - ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`I'S FUTURE" ON FACEBOOK
A PRO AT WHAT HE GROWS ON “VOICES OF TRUTH - ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`IʻS FUTURE"
"Kaloman - A Visit With Keoki Fukumitsu
His dream has always been to be a kalo or taro farmer. And for seven generations Keokiʻs family has been stewards of their land on O`ahuʻs windward side growing taro, the plant from which poi is made, the staple diet of Hawaiians. Yet today, theyʻre in danger of losing their property to developers and others. Join us in our visit with Keoki in the beautiful valley of Hakipu`u as he explains the cultural and environmental importance of taro and see for yourself why they call him the Kaloman- Watch It Here MONDAY, October 3rdAt 6:30 PM –Maui – Akaku, Channel 53 MONDAY, October 3rd At 7:00 PM & FRIDAY, October 7th At 5:30 PM – Hawai`i Island –Na Leo, Channel 53 TUESDAY, October 4thAt 7:30 PM,THURSDAY, October 6th At 7:30 PM & SATURDAY, October 8th At 5:30 PM –Kaua`i - Ho`ike, Channel 52 FRIDAY, October 7th At 8:00 PM & SATURDAY, October 1st At 5:30 PM –O`ahu - `Olelo, Channel 53
Now you can become a fan of Voices Of Truth on Facebook by clicking Here and see behind the scenes photos of our shows and a whole lot more.
Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants. We hope you'll be inspired to do the same. Voices Of Truth now airs on local access stations in over 90 cities across the US and throughout the world. Check your local listings. For news and issues that affect you, watch Free Hawai`i TV, a part of the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network. Please share our Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network videos with friends and colleagues. That's how we grow. Mahalo.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
THIS FOOD GETS RENEWED ON “VOICES OF TRUTH - ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`IʻS FUTURE”
"Model Of Sustainability - A Visit With Keli`i Gannet" Most of us give little thought to the food we buy and eat, but not Keli`i Gannet. His curiosity of where food really comes from led him to the source and thatʻs where we found him as assistant manager of Kahumana Organic Farms on the leeward side of O`ahu. Keli`i has a passion for food like no one weʻve ever met and the tour he gave us of the cafeʻs organic farm out back was unforgettable. Join us during the amazing afternoon we spend with Keli`i and youʻll see why he considers food sustainability so important and why each of us should too - Watch It Here
MONDAY, April 14th At 6:30 PM –Maui – Akaku, Channel 53 MONDAY, April 14th At 7:00 PM & FRIDAY, April 18th At 5:30 PM – Hawai`i Island –Na Leo, Channel 53 TUESDAY, April 15thAt 7:30 PM,THURSDAY, April 17th At 7:30 PM & SATURDAY, April 19th At 8:00 PM - Kaua`i - Ho`ike, Channel 52
Sneak Peek! -
"Carving A Different Path - A Visit With Keoni Turalde"
“Boy, make Hawaiian drums,” are the words Keoni Turalde kept hearing in his head. Even though a serious diving accident left him in a wheelchair, Keoni was nonetheless compelled to follow the message.Today heʻs one of Hawai`iʻs master drum makers, having crafted over 300 pahu drums. Donʻt miss our visit with Keoni who explains his many obstacles, show us his magnificent handiwork and has become an inspiration for us all - Watch It Here
FRIDAY, APRIL 18th At 8:00 PM & SATURDAY, April 19th At 5:30 PM –O`ahu - `Olelo, Channel 53
Now you can become a fan of Voices Of Truth on Facebook by clicking Here and see behind the scenes photos of our shows and a whole lot more.
Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants. We hope you'll be inspired to do the same. Voices Of Truth now airs on local access stations in over 90 cities across the US and throughout the world. Check your local listings. If you support our issues on the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network, please email this to a friend to help us continue. A donation today helps further our work. Every single penny counts. Donating is easy on our Voices Of Truth website via PayPal where you can watch Voices Of Truth anytime. For news and issues that affect you, watch Free Hawai`i TV, a part of the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network. Please share our Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network videos with friends and colleagues. That's how we grow. Mahalo.
Sunday, April 06, 2014
THIS FARM DOES NO HARM ON “VOICES OF TRUTH - ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`IʻS FUTURE”
"Model Of Sustainability - A Visit With Keli`i Gannet" Most of us give little thought to the food we buy and eat, but not Keli`i Gannet. His curiosity of where food really comes from led him to the source and thatʻs where we found him as assistant manager of Kahumana Organic Farms on the leeward side of O`ahu. Keli`i has a passion for food like no one weʻve ever met and the tour he gave us of the cafeʻs organic farm out back was unforgettable. Join us during the amazing afternoon we spend with Keli`i and youʻll see why he considers food sustainability so important and why each of us should too - Watch It Here
MONDAY, April 7th At 6:30 PM –Maui – Akaku, Channel 53 MONDAY, April 7th At 7:00 PM & FRIDAY, April 11th At 5:30 PM – Hawai`i Island –Na Leo, Channel 53 TUESDAY, April 8thAt 7:30 PM,THURSDAY, April 10th At 7:30 PM & SATURDAY, April 12th At 8:00 PM - Kaua`i - Ho`ike, Channel 52 SATURDAY, April 12th At 5:30 PM –O`ahu - `Olelo, Channel 53
Now you can become a fan of Voices Of Truth on Facebook by clicking Here and see behind the scenes photos of our shows and a whole lot more.
Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants. We hope you'll be inspired to do the same. Voices Of Truth now airs on local access stations in over 90 cities across the US and throughout the world. Check your local listings. If you support our issues on the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network, please email this to a friend to help us continue. A donation today helps further our work. Every single penny counts. Donating is easy on our Voices Of Truth website via PayPal where you can watch Voices Of Truth anytime. For news and issues that affect you, watch Free Hawai`i TV, a part of the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network. Please share our Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network videos with friends and colleagues. That's how we grow. Mahalo.
Monday, March 31, 2014
BECOME A FAN OF "VOICES OF TRUTH - ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`I'S FUTURE" ON FACEBOOK
SUSTAINABILITY NO IMPOSSIBILITY ON “VOICES OF TRUTH - ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`IʻS FUTURE”
"Model Of Sustainability - A Visit With Keli`i Gannet" Most of us give little thought to the food we buy and eat, but not Keli`i Gannet. His curiosity of where food really comes from led him to the source and thatʻs where we found him as assistant manager of Kahumana Organic Farms on the leeward side of O`ahu. Keli`i has a passion for food like no one weʻve ever met and the tour he gave us of the cafeʻs organic farm out back was unforgettable. Join us during the amazing afternoon we spend with Keli`i and youʻll see why he considers food sustainability so important and why each of us should too - Watch It Here
MONDAY, March 31st At 6:30 PM –Maui – Akaku, Channel 53 MONDAY, March 31st At 7:00 PM & FRIDAY, April 4th At 5:30 PM – Hawai`i Island –Na Leo, Channel 53 TUESDAY, April 1stAt 7:30 PM,THURSDAY, April 3rd At 7:30 PM & SATURDAY, April 5th At 8:00 PM - Kaua`i - Ho`ike, Channel 52 FRIDAY, April 4th At 8:00 PM & SATURDAY, April 5th At 5:30 PM –O`ahu - `Olelo, Channel 53
Now you can become a fan of Voices Of Truth on Facebook by clicking Here and see behind the scenes photos of our shows and a whole lot more.
Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants. We hope you'll be inspired to do the same. Voices Of Truth now airs on local access stations in over 90 cities across the US and throughout the world. Check your local listings. If you support our issues on the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network, please email this to a friend to help us continue. A donation today helps further our work. Every single penny counts. Donating is easy on our Voices Of Truth website via PayPal where you can watch Voices Of Truth anytime. For news and issues that affect you, watch Free Hawai`i TV, a part of the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network. Please share our Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network videos with friends and colleagues. That's how we grow. Mahalo.
Sunday, August 07, 2011
DEATH OF A DREAM BECAUSE OTHERS SCHEME ON “VOICES OF TRUTH - ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`IʻS FUTURE”
Keoki Fukumitsu always wanted to be a kalo farmer.
After all, thatʻs what he was trained to do from a child, since his ancestors had been growing kalo or taro on the same land from time immemorial.
But now Keokiʻs dream is in serious jeopardy as developers and others are now closing in to evict Keoki and his family off their ancestral lands - all because they stand to make millions through commercial development.
Keokiʻs life and story is an amazing one and he shares it with us in detail as what life as Kaloman is like, including threats of eviction he now faces.
MONDAY, August 8th At 5:30 PM –O`ahu, `Olelo, Channel 53 MONDAY, August 8th At 6:30 PM –Maui – Akaku, Channel 53 MONDAY, August 8th At 7:00 PM & FRIDAY, August 12th At 5:30 PM – Hawai`i Island –Na Leo, Channel 53 TUESDAY, August 9th At 7:30 PM & THURSDAY, August 11th At 7:30 PMSATURDAY, August 13th At 8:00 PM -Kaua`i – Ho`ike, Channel 52 "Kaloman - A Visit With Keoki Fukumitsu"
His dream has always been to be a kalo or taro farmer. And for seven generations Keokiʻs family has been stewards of their land on O`ahuʻs windward side growing taro, the plant from which poi is made, the staple diet of Hawaiians. Yet today, theyʻre in danger of losing their property to developers and others. Join us in our visit with Keoki in the beautiful valley of Hakipu`u as he explains the cultural and environmental importance of taro and see for yourself why they call him the Kaloman - Watch It Here Now you can become a fan of Voices Of Truth on Facebook by clicking Here and see behind the scenes photos of our shows and a whole lot more. Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants. We hope you'll be inspired to do the same.
Voices Of Truth now airs on local access stations in Cape Town, South Africa, Sweden and 50 cities across the US. Check your local listings.
If you support our issues on the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network, please email this to a friend to help us continue. A donation today helps further our work. Every single penny counts.
HIS FARM MAY BE IN HARM ON “VOICES OF TRUTH - ONE-ON-ONE WITH HAWAI`IʻS FUTURE”
You would think Keoki Fukumitsu, who has dedicated his life to helping and serving others through farming and cultivation of kalo or taro, the staple Hawaiian diet, would receive some thanks and maybe even an award or two.
Instead, he and his family, who have been on their land for over seven generations farming taro, making poi and feeding others are now in danger of losing it all.
Developers and others are attempting to gain title to his land because itʻs worth money and lots of it.
Keoki looks at his land and sees the taro he grows through his own back breaking work which enables him to feed his family and others in the local community.
Developers and others look at his land and they see fistfuls of dollars.
When we heard what was going on we went out to meet Keoki and find out why they call him the “Kaloman.”
What we discovered amazed us - not only a real life picture of how itʻs been done for thousands of years, but also a prime example of how to create a sustainable Hawai`i for the future.
MONDAY, August 1st At 5:30 PM & SATURDAY, August 6th At 8:00 PM –O`ahu, `Olelo, Channel 53 MONDAY, August 1st At 6:30 PM –Maui – Akaku, Channel 53 MONDAY, August 1st At 7:00 PM & FRIDAY, August 5th At 5:30 PM – Hawai`i Island –Na Leo, Channel 53 TUESDAY, August 2nd At 7:30 PM & THURSDAY, August 4th At 7:30 PMSATURDAY, August 6th At 8:00 PM -Kaua`i – Ho`ike, Channel 52 "Kaloman - A Visit With Keoki Fukumitsu"
His dream has always been to be a kalo or taro farmer. And for seven generations Keokiʻs family has been stewards of their land on O`ahuʻs windward side growing taro, the plant from which poi is made, the staple diet of Hawaiians. Yet today, theyʻre in danger of losing their property to developers and others. Join us in our visit with Keoki in the beautiful valley of Hakipu`u as he explains the cultural and environmental importance of taro and see for yourself why they call him the Kaloman - Watch It Here Now you can become a fan of Voices Of Truth on Facebook by clicking Here and see behind the scenes photos of our shows and a whole lot more. Voices Of Truth interviews those creating a better future for Hawai`i to discover what made them go from armchair observers to active participants. We hope you'll be inspired to do the same.
Voices Of Truth now airs on local access stations in Cape Town, South Africa, Sweden and 50 cities across the US. Check your local listings.
If you support our issues on the Free Hawai`i Broadcasting Network, please email this to a friend to help us continue. A donation today helps further our work. Every single penny counts.
