NAWILIWILI — A community forum organized by the Kauai Beekeeper’s Association was held this weekend at Kalapaki Beach under the “big tent.” Government officials, county representatives, KIUC candidates and community members gathered to discuss issues currently affecting the island. A
NAWILIWILI — A community forum organized by the Kauai Beekeeper’s Association was held this weekend at Kalapaki Beach under the “big tent.”
Government officials, county representatives, KIUC candidates and community members gathered to discuss issues currently affecting the island. A predominant concern was the spread of varroa mites — an external parasite that attacks honey bees.
“The event was a conglomeration of focus, with the connection being our ability, as a community, to support each other,” KBEE Chair Jimmy Trujillo said. “To build community and build consensus is the ultimate goal.”
Trujillo hoped to bridge the gap that sometimes exists, for example, between concerned citizens and state or county officials, by improving communication on Saturday afternoon.
“We were demonstrating a model that has some incredible legs; when multiple groups get together and provide forums and opportunities for people, good things can happen.”
One good thing Trujillo is thankful for is that the varroa mite has not yet made an appearance on the island, though it has already endangered O‘ahu and the Big Island.
“We understand the risk that Kaua‘i is at, given the varroa mite being on O‘ahu, devastating the beekeeping industry there and having a large impact on agricultural output of that island,” he said. “The Big Island is now in a state of crisis trying to deal with the varroa mite issue and the containment effort hasn’t been sufficient.”
His organization’s proposal is to have the state provide more “swarm traps” across the island and to keep communications open between stakeholders, Kaua‘i beekeepers and consumers of bee products.
“Thank you, Rep. Tokioka for helping to grease those skids because sometimes working with government agencies is not an easy task; they’re very busy with a lot of tasks and often times it’s not easy for them to respond the way the community wants them to respond and so we appreciate that type of help,” he told state Rep. Jimmy Tokioka, D-15th District.
“This is the kind of community we need that helps us solve the problem,” said Tokioka. “I hope that we come to a conclusion and a resolution with it.”
Tokioka, a member of the agricultural committee, discussed the relevance of House Bill 1226 — which would prohibit the state and counties from regulating genetically modified organisms — as well as House Bill 1663 — which would place a moratorium on GMO research and growing of all taro varieties.
“I know many of you are having concerns about the preemption bill,” he said. “We have concerns over whether the state has the ability to break down what is good GMO and what is not good GMO; we sat in meetings with them and asked them a lot of questions and they’re really not prepared to deal with this issue.”
According to Tokioka, HB 1226 speaks of the state governance of GMO products and his apprehension rests over whether “they know what to do.”
He added that the bill has already passed through the House and now resides with the Senate for review.
Not only were county and government officials in attendance Saturday, including state Rep. Roland Sagum, D-16th District, who was “here to talk with you one on one,” most of the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative candidates were also there to discuss issues pertaining to energy. The only candidates missing were Steve Rapozo, who had prior obligations, Dane Oda and Ray Paler.
George Costa, director of the Office of Economic Development, was also on hand and spoke about the many ways in which the current economic stimulus plan would be impacting the island.
“There’s a lot of information out there about it, but nothing is final yet,” he said, adding that some funds may become available as soon as May.
Costa also discusses the important of environmentally taking care of the island and noted that recycling bins were “immediately” being brought back into the island’s parks.
“Unfortunately, all or most of them were stolen,” he said. “Now they will be chained and whatever is gathered will be left to the community to turn in for recycling.”
Costa also expressed concern about the varroa mite.
“When you stop and think about the honeybee’s role in helping pollinate and helping agriculture and our food sustenance, it is a critical issue and that’s why I joined the bandwagon and am trying to assist the organization,” he said.
Overall, Trujillo deemed the event a success after speaking with him by phone on Sunday.
“The most important part for me was to see community folks engaged at multiple levels,” said Trujillo. “People who hadn’t met each other, sharing tables, selling items and speaking with government officials; people were engaged enough to stay and share their concerns.
“We look forward to having more of these events,” he added.
• Coco Zickos, business writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or czickos@kauaipubco.com
