Fundamental principles enshrined in Hawaiian law and culture guarantee each of us as individuals the inherent and inalienable rights to life, liberty, ownership of property and the freedom to govern our own lives. Included among these core values is the
Fundamental principles enshrined in Hawaiian law and culture guarantee each of us as individuals the inherent and inalienable rights to life, liberty, ownership of property and the freedom to govern our own lives. Included among these core values is the sacred conviction that governments exist to protect these freedoms, which should never be abridged without serious cause.
As a Kaua’i born and raised farmer providing for my own family’s livelihood and as the steward of the land that I farm, I treasure these freedoms — together with our life-sustaining ‘aina — as a precious heritage to pass on to future generations. So I am surprised — and disturbed — when I find some of those who claim to honor these values seeking to take these same freedoms away from me.
Presently before our Kaua’i County Council there is a proposal underway that, contrary to my own choice, conscience and good judgment, would require me — in the name of “the People” — to farm according to the dictates of those who do not know me, my family or my land … based on vague, political definitions of “sustainability” devised by a vocal minority who do not farm and who bear no risk from the decisions they hope to impose on me and no responsibility for the outcome if they get it wrong.
Under this proposed, so-called local Food Bill of Rights, how and where I can farm, what I can plant and how crops from these plantings are to be nurtured and protected from pests would be decided — in the name of “the People” — (but without my input) by elected officials of the County of Kaua’i.
What’s more, any citizen of Kaua’i who objected to my farming would have the right to file suit — at public expense — to “enforce the rights of natural communities and ecosystems.”
And even if these suits ultimately proved to be frivolous, I would still be obliged to expend considerable time and expense defending myself — and, unlike the filer of the suit against me, with my own money.
Sound too far-fetched to be believed? If that’s what you think, you might want to sit up and take notice.
Right now, a small group of dedicated activists is attempting to force their will on the larger Kaua’i community, using pressure, disruption and personal intimidation to get their way.
In their latest public outrage, just this past Lei Day (though clearly no aloha was shown by this group), members hijacked the agenda of the Kaua’i County Council to interject their manifesto of ecological liberation into the meeting without notice, in direct violation of due process, as defined under our state’s Sunshine Rules.
Like all who malama ‘aina, I believe that the life of the land is preserved in righteousness.
But how is the appropriation of my land, rights and livelihood, without my consent, righteous? How is this pono?
And when vague definitions of sustainability are used to trample on the rights of Kaua’i farmers like me … how long will it be before your own freedoms are placed at risk, based on “the People’s” opinions about how your life and livelihood should be governed in the name of the common good?
Imua!
• Jerry Ornellas is president of the Kaua’i County Farm Bureau.
