• Sugarloaf is not a GMO • Protesters arrested at Wailua Beach • Use of illegal drugs in public areas • We are all responsible to protect wildlife • Marriage equality Sugarloaf is not a GMO In the March 25
• Sugarloaf is not a GMO • Protesters arrested at Wailua Beach • Use of illegal drugs in public areas • We are all responsible to protect wildlife • Marriage equality
Sugarloaf is not a GMO
In the March 25 edition of The Garden Island, Alfred Laureta is correct when he says that Sugarloaf Pineapple is delicious and in fact most people say it is the best pineapple they have ever tasted.
Where Mr. Laureta is incorrect is his statement that Sugarloaf Pineapple is genetically modified, it is not. Sugarloaf Pineapple is not a genetically modified organism (GMO).
Sugarloaf Pineapple is actually the result of a natural occurrence. This deliciously sweet low acid pineapple is a natural variant of the Smooth Cayenne variety that was discovered by workers in the fields many decades ago. White pineapple was of no interest to the plantations because it has white flesh and was easily bruised, however the workers kept this variety alive because it was so delicious.
Small farms across the islands continue to keep this unique natural variety, Sugarloaf Pineapple, alive.
On June 24, 2012, Duane Bartholomew, Dean of the University of Hawai‘i Agronomy and Soil Science Department, wrote the following comment in response to some inaccurate information posted on the Internet. He commented, “No GM pineapple are currently being sold and no GM pineapple has been approved for sale from any country.”
Paul Huber
Moloa‘a
Protesters arrested at Wailua Beach
I’m writing in response to the letter printed Feb. 7 regarding the protesters arrested at Wailua Beach.
This issue concerns me because I like to use the multi-use path myself. I am looking forward to the completion of the path between Anahola and Lihu‘e as a good way to promote tourism and people’s well being on the island.
Although I respect both sides of the issue, I believe that the activists don’t have a good case. I say this because no matter what they believe about the cultural significance of the area, surveys of the area have shown that there is no trace of a heiau or human burials.
I do think that a heiau did in face exist here, but was long since destroyed by construction of the highway. For this reason, I believe construction at the site should progress. Regarding the kuahu at the site, I don’t see why activists shouldn’t agree to move it by hand.
If it was genuinely ancient, they would have a very strong case to leave it there, but the kuahu was built in recent years.
For the Hawaiian rights activists, I can tell them that this is a battle they cannot win. However, there are many more, crucial controversies they could fight that would have greater meaning to them and their rights. It is unfortunate that arrests had to be made in this situation, but that was necessary to unsure everyone’s safety.
I think that the multi-use path’s construction should go on as scheduled. It would bring a much needed boost to our island economy, and everyone on the island would benefit from a place to have a morning jog or an evening stroll. I hope that the community shares my opinion, and that the bike path has overwhelming support.
Andy Anderton
School student
Lihu‘e
Use of illegal drugs in public areas
I am writing to you in concern to the fact that people are using illegal drugs in public areas.
Have you ever gone to the beach and seen people doing drugs right on the beach or in the parking lot? Well, I have and it bothers me.
First off, drugs are illegal and should not be used at all. Also it makes our beaches look unwelcoming and sad.
I don’t think people want to see other people using drugs when they want to let their kids run around and play. I used to live across the street from pavilions in Hanalei. Often I would go to the beach and people would be smoking pot and drinking alcohol. It is not a good influence.
I think we could put a stop to this by having police patrol many of the most visited public areas such as Kalihiwai, Hanalei Bay, and Lumahai where people use drugs. This would probably lower the use of drugs. Also this would make those public areas a lot more pleasant to be at. I believe that this is an issue that should be of concern to the whole community of Kaua‘i.
John Joel Deblin
School student
Kilauea
We are all responsible to protect wildlife
Our staff works diligently to educate and inform the public on the importance of native wildlife and their habitats and the need to safeguard the unique species found here in the islands. Carelessly worded sentences like the one in your Feb. 19, 2013 article on Classic Cars (see quote below) only help breed animosity toward our state’s unique biological and cultural resources.
It is all of our responsibility to ensure that our native wildlife are safeguarded for future generations. Instead of focusing on the negative, Mr. Fujimoto should have focused on the positive and highlighted Kaua‘i Classic Cars exemplary leadership in postponing their shows so as to allow Hawai‘i’s endangered birds to fledge without the threat of such lights.
Though much focus has been placed on endangered seabirds and their need for the night sky, it should also be kept in mind that we, as a cultural people here in these islands, also utilize the night sky for navigation and recreation, and that the night sky is a source of inspiration and beauty for our keiki and kupuna.
How many stars do you see when you look up at the night sky in Kapa‘a or Lihu‘e vs. Polihale or Ha‘ena? Next time your newspaper writes about Kaua‘i’s seabirds, please remember that their protection is all of our responsibility as citizens of this state. They have resided here in the islands for much longer than any of us and deserve our respect and protection.
“But the fledgling season for the number of endangered birds on Kaua‘i kept the bright lights out of the parking lot from October through January.”
Norma Creps
Wildlife biologist, DLNR
Honolulu
Marriage equality
Marriage equality and unity is an issue behind many battles in the world. If equality was reached, the world would evolve into peace and a paradise it destined to be, minus all the violence and all the wars. Equality is a powerful word not only in marriage between anybody LGBT or straight, but everybody.
It’s a key to possibly change the world forever once you realize just how powerful using this word can be.It is why marriage equality is an important issue in Hawai‘i, because everybody deserves recognition and respect because love is love nothing more then a gift from above.
Troy Abraham
Hilo, Hawai‘i
