Letter to the Editor written May 1st, 2008:
With headlines that read: “Buzz of shortage triggers panic…” (Maui News), “Fuel costs blamed…”(Maui News), “…major food crisis…”(CNN), it is apparent that the time is now to establish and secure our island’s food and energy resources.
We live on an island graced by relentless sun, wind, wave and tidal action. With these abundant resources we are able to, with the proper technology, provide sufficient energy for our Island that comes from local, renewable sources.
Here on Maui we are blessed with a wealth of arable land. Our alluvial plains are nutrient rich, and largely undeveloped. We have experienced agriculturalists that are able to produce food for our people. Most importantly, we have a market and a demand for food that is grown here.
The Hawaiian Islands make up the most isolated island group on the globe. This isolation has created our beautiful and unique ecosystems, but has also left us extremely vulnerable to the mercy of global markets. With the dwindling supply, and rising cost of food and oil worldwide, it is imperative that we on Maui begin to establish our own sources of food and fuel. The possibilities are endless.
So why are we at a standstill? Lack of political will. There are expert individuals and organizations that work tirelessly to implement projects that could create a safer, more secure, sustainable, and independent Maui. The knowledge is here, the time is now. It’s an election year. Hold your Government Officials accountable for the decisions they have made. Know who are truly advocates for the environment and therefore, advocates for the secure future of Maui. Know who has voted to disregard our precious island resources, and will continue to do so at the price of our own health and safety.
We live in the most beautiful place on Earth. Let’s utilize the amazing resources available to us and create a food and energy independent Maui.
IMUA.
Summer Starr
Olinda
We were visited by many of our Democratic political leaders. Yet perhaps what was more exciting and invigorating to see, was the presence of so many interested District and Precinct community leaders. Being a member of the Democratic Party, I believe that one of the founding principles of the party is inclusiveness, and of course.....Democracy. To witness our community members come out in full force to express their opinions on the politics of Hawaii was refreshing indeed.
The beautiful sweeping view of Upcountry, my home .
The Fundraiser event was an absolute joy to be a part of. It took place Upcountry at the beautiful Ulupalakua Ranch. Bev Gannon from Hali'iamile catered the event with her amazing culinary concoctions. The event MC, Dean Wong - Board of Director, was an absolute blast and kept all the ladies on their toes. The music was divine. The women were in high spirits, dressed in pink, adorned with elaborate hats most appropriate for a tea party. The auction items were absolutely stunning. The Mac makeup crew was there to assure that the women felt like queens. It was a pristinely perfect Sunday Upcountry. Truly a blessing to see all those women, and men, come together to help stop the cycle of abuse that plagues so many of our Islands' citizens.
