Blog
News, updates, finds, stories, and tidbits from staff and community members at KAHEA. Got something to share? Email us at: kahea-alliance@hawaii.rr.com.
Legalize Pa'i 'Ai
Today, a new generation of cultural practitioners, farmers and entrepreneurs are working to change laws forbidding the sale of pai ‘ai--laws which say this sacred food is "unsafe for public consumption." Read an update on these efforts from Aunty Penny Levin.
Wai'anae Plan at the City Planning Commission
Mahalo nui to all those who came out to support a sustainable future for Wai'anae! Couldn't make it? Mai hopohopo (don't worry) there will be another public hearing in April, stay tuned for details!
Three Things You Can Do Now
The legislative session has kicked off. The way to make a difference, is to get in there, and get involved! Here are three things you can do right now.
A Different Kind of Superhero
Uncle Jerry Konanui is a different kind of superhero. Follow his story in the latest documentary from Na Maka o ka `Aina on `Olelo in December. Find airing dates and times.
`Apono Hawai`i Challenge
`Apono Hawai`i has offered to match dollar for dollar every gift we raise in support of pono aquaculture in Hawai`i. Learn more and give today!
Growing Local Food Policy
Food Policy Councils are taking root in the islands. Learn about Food Policy Councils, how they are working towards improving local food systems, from the grassroots on up. You can get involved today!
Community Meeting on Purple Spot Plan
From Miwa:
Last night, Marti and I attended a community meeting in Nanakuli, along with over 100 community members who had come to make their voices heard on the latest draft of the Wai`anae Sustainable Community Plan. In this latest draft, the City/County has opted in favor of a “purple spot” proposal put forward by a land developer seeking to push through a “purple spot” industrial zone on agricultural lands in Lualualei Valley.
The public comments were overwhelmingly in favor of removing the purple spot, and keeping Lualualei as an intact, green agricultural zone.
To a person, every individual who gave testimony or comments, expressed their support of agriculture and the rural character of Wai`anae.
Said one Aunty, “I live on Hakimo Road, and I raise pigs. This is one of the last places where you can have pigs. I don’t want to see agriculture die in Wai`anae. I don’t see how we can continue to lose farmland, and continue on.”
Young people came out in force, and several gave personal testimony about the Wai`anae that they hoped for, for their future. “I came out today because I heard the words, ‘Sustainable Community Plan,’ and I thought we would be talking about how we are going to get more of our people growing food, building aquaponics, feeding people. What does an industrial purple spot, have to do with sustainability?” said Sydney, a college student and homesteader.
“I want to ask our youth, sitting here tonight, how many of them would farm today–right now–if they could,” queried Kamuela, a Makaha-born second-generation farmer. More than a dozen local youth raised their hands. Crazy inspiring.
Many had questions about why this particular “purple spot” plan was being proposed.
“Because we (the consultants) did feel the community to be so divided on this issue, we submitted two alternative maps to the County [one with the purple spot and one without]” said Harmonee, from consulting firm Townscape. “I’m not sure what process they used to decide that the [the purple spot map] would be the final map.”
What struck me most, is the basic idea that it is really some guy somewhere in offices in Honolulu, choosing the map–making this tremendously weighty decision for this community. I mean, someone who wasn’t even in that crowded meeting room last night. Can you have a community plan, without a community? How does that make sense?
Next steps: This draft of the plan goes before the City County Planning Commission, and then on to the City Council. We’ll be there, and we’ll keep you updated!
You can show your solidarity with this community today, by signing their petition at: http://bit.ly/purplespotaction.
Mahalo to Ilihia Gionson for the photo of the meeting!
