• Don’t be fooled by biotech propaganda • Share the Care • Support for KIUC’s philanthropy • Hanalei fishpond preserves heritage Don’t be fooled by biotech propaganda Monday’s paper hosted a full-page advertisement to promote the image of the “seed
• Don’t be fooled by biotech propaganda • Share the Care • Support for KIUC’s philanthropy • Hanalei fishpond preserves heritage
Don’t be fooled by biotech propaganda
Monday’s paper hosted a full-page advertisement to promote the image of the “seed farmers of Kauai,” which are a coalition of biotechnology companies that are producing seed as their product. They are billion dollar global entities and are not, however many times they may say it, “local farmers.”
The only reason for the existence of a pesticide is to kill. But life continues to evolve! Both bugs and weeds already have become resistant to the chemicals used to (temporarily) control them, so you need stronger more toxic ways of killing things; it is a constant chemical warfare against nature.
This is a toxic treadmill that is spiraling out of control, propelling us into a future where air, water, soil and all living beings are bombarded in a chemical concoction meant to destroy life. This is not an apocalyptic conspiracy theory. It is Einstein’s definition of insanity: “doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different result” and exactly the reality we are living in.
It is too idealistic to simply assume that our regulatory agencies will protect us. But I am especially impressed some of our elected officials who have taken such an initiative — specifically the county council Bill 2491 that calls for an environmental impact statement (EIS) on the production of genetically engineered crops and the literally tons of pesticides associated with growing them.
Because we know that everything in existence is interrelated, and a change in one thing causes a ripple that affects the whole. It means that what is cultivated, and what is destroyed has lasting effects. So instead of continuing the destruction and exploitation of this beautiful island, let’s grow REAL food, in a truly sustainable way that benefits the land, the people that produce it and eat it and all living things!
Aurora Fendentz, Kilauea
Share the Care
Share The Care (STC) owes big thank you’s to the Kauai media for helping inform the public about STC.
We’re an all-volunteer community outreach project that helps caregivers care for family and friends without burning out and harming their own health.
All our services are free of charge.
Although a Kauai Hospice project, we serve not only the terminally ill, but more often, people challenged with chronic disease, aging concerns, rehabilitation needs, etc.
In our first year, we served 52 families, five were hospice patients.
We help families rally their own support teams by bringing together relatives, friends, co-workers, neighbors and church members to do small things that add up to big help for caregivers. If families don’t have natural supporters, our volunteers take their place to the degree they’re available in that area.
Volunteers may bring over dinner once a week, run needed errands, mow the lawn, do laundry or clean the house. They may simply keep a patient company while a caregiver takes a much needed break. It depends what the family needs.
Our volunteers don’t provide personal care, nor replace professional caregivers such as nurses and CNAs.
We welcome new volunteers to help our island family take care of their own. Volunteers are advised, “Only do what you like to do and for the time that works for you.”
STC partners with Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). RSVP volunteers can volunteer with STC and report their hours and miles to RSVP. Mayor Bernard Carvalho and Kauai County Council have both endorsed STC.
For more information about STC, call Deborah Duda at 332-7668.
Deborah Duda, Kauai Share The Care Coordinator, Kalaheo
Support for KIUC’s philanthropy
In response to JoAnne Georgi’s letter printed July 17: You probably haven’t lived here long enough to remember when Kauai’s for profit electric company gave nothing back to the community.
All the money it made in excess of operation expense was shipped out of state to shareholders. I have no problem with shareholders, but giving back to the community is important for businesses as well.
I am happy that KIUC cares enough about the community to support local nonprofits. My math says that the donations you are complaining about amounts to $0.68 for each account per year.
Are you kidding me? How cheap can you be not to want to contribute $0.68 a year to support local activities that support and enrich all our lives here?
I lose more than that every year. They are a co-op, they have an obligation to give back, and they do so willingly. They are doing the right thing. If they weren’t involved in the community, didn’t give back and didn’t support their employees community involvement, I bet people like you would complain about that as well. I’d be happy to give you your $0.68 back so you don’t feel so offended.
John Clayton, Waimea
Hanalei fishpond preserves heritage
I have lived on Kauai all my life and have seen it change in many ways. As a boy, Kauai was a perfect place, and as a young man, I earned a living working at the Hanalei Plantation Hotel, which was a special place.
I soon became a husband, father and now a proud grandfather. Kauai is still a special place worthy of protection. Ohana Real Estate Investors also wants to protect our ocean, our culture and our public access.
Revitalizing Kamoomaikai fishpond is not an easy job.
Maintaining it will be more difficult. They deserve credit for wanting to protect our environment and sharing an important part of the Hawaiian heritage.
Gary Pacheco, Kilauea
