Foodscapes Sweet Video

Hi folks,

When you have a few minutes, try watch this Tedx Talk by Roger Doiron, the founder of Kitchen Gardeners International. He's funny and smart and explains in 8 minutes why we kitchen gardeners need to keep doing our thing, for the very survival of mankind!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ezuz_-eZTMI

Thanks,

Fran Butera | Foodscapes Hawaii | 808 375-8025

Good Policies

MaziEmail: Made in Hawaii, Buy Local

Aloha,

Last week, I visited with Jesse Delaros and David Wong on his Waianae farm. The timing couldn’t have been better to talk about natural farming, using the soil to grow fruits and vegetables, the way nature intended, as many of us had just shopped for our Thanksgiving feasts.

As I marveled at the nearly five-foot high okra on the farm, it reminded me that we often don’t think about where the foods we buy come from – a farm like David’s or one in Georgia?

As an island state, we depend on imported foods and other products. With that dependency, comes risk. If for some reason we couldn’t get these foods, what would happen?

It’s why we need independent farmers like David and Jesse working on new and innovative ways to bring Hawaii closer to food self-sustainability. The practice of natural farming, for example, holds promise for higher yields that cost less and are done in a more environmentally friendly way.

We can help small farmers by buying local fruits and vegetables. We also need to make investments in rural communities. That’s why I’m a cosponsor of the Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act, so we can make investments that will support small farms, create jobs and give us more access to fresh, local produce.

Jesse Delaros shows Congresswoman Hirono 4.5 foot-high okra in Waianae Valley.

Of course, buying local is more than just fresh produce—it is also supporting our local small businesses. This past Saturday was also Small Business Saturday, a day where consumers across the nation chose to do their holiday shopping at local stores. Supporting our local businesses has ripple effects and can help all of us in these difficult times.

This brings to mind the many small businesses in Kona that were particularly hard hit following the March 11 tsunami. The disaster caused property and product damages. Last week, I reconnected with one of these shop owners: Cindy Coats, owner of The Cindy Coats Gallery. Her determination to move past these setbacks was inspiring. She reopened her gallery in July, despite losing virtually all her merchandise—her own artwork.

Through my office’s efforts to get victims connected with the appropriate organizations, Cindy received a small business disaster loan through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“I was the first person to apply for a loan following the tsunami [and] the first person to receive a disaster loan. I’m grateful as it really took the pressure off by knowing help truly was available,” Cindy said.

Gallery owner Cindy Coats shared her experiences with Congresswoman Hirono.

Small businesses are at the heart of our local communities. This year, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii celebrated 100 years of service. I hope you will join me in extending warm congratulations to the Chamber and the thousands of businesses owned by Chinese Americans, on this centennial anniversary.

Congresswoman Hirono offers a lisee at the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii
celebration in hopes of good luck and prosperity.

What do you think we can do to make Hawaii more sustainable? Please let me know -- visit my website www.hirono.house.gov to send an email, call my District Office at (808) 541-1986 or send me a tweet at @maziehirono to share your thoughts on this or any other issues. The direct (free) numbers to call my office from the neighbor islands are:

Hawaii Island -- 935-3756
Kauai & Niihau -- 245-1951
Lanai -- 565-7199
Maui -- 242-1818
Molokai -- 552-0160 Mahalo,

Mazie K. Hirono
Member of Congress
2nd District of Hawaii

Awareness Mention (action needed, rethinkitronage)

Big news! For weeks, the Discovery Channel refused to show the stunning conclusions of its own Frozen Planet documentary series that showed the devastating effects that climate change has had on the North and South Poles -- and the danger it portends for the rest of the planet.

But just hours after Claudia Abbott-Barish's Change.org petition hit 75,000 signatures, Discovery backed down, and agreed to air the final episode (all about climate change) in its entirety!

It's another sign that something different is happening all over the world. Every day, people are taking a stand on local, state and national issues that matter to them, and they're winning.

Water Refill Station at UH

The most advanced reusable water bottle refill station in the world is now available for use at the ground-floor entrance to Kuykendall Hall on the Campus Center side.
>
> Bring your own reusable bottle and refill it at a cost of 25 cents. The refill station features a 5-stage filtration system that produces the highest quality, best-tasting water chilled to 42 degrees Fahrenheit.
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> The process of refilling your bottle takes just eight seconds, and means no possible plastic leaching.
>
> Check out this short informational video if you'd like to learn more about this revolution and see the station in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVLYOctRQG0

Weekend Confirmation

More confirmed reasons to use LONO!

Lono Enterprises' ultimate goal is to save the world, our world, the place that allows us to do business.

Business is losing millions due to climate-change-induced disasters. Lono wants to help. Helping us do good business helps you do good business.

Lono helps directly by installing rooft0p gardens and cooling your office and feeding your emplyees fresh produce, or providing carbon neutral and cheaper transportation opportunities, etc. etc. etc.

Lono helps inderectly because all the while we are improving the earth by the products and services we offer. They are all inherently earth friendly. We also take all profits and re-invest in Earth allowing us all to continue to do business into perpituity. With Lono it's not just good business, it's the cure to the chronic illness that soon will result in both economic and just plain...death.

Check out Richard Heinberg, he concurrs.

November 2011's Edition of
POPULATION ONLINE
Brings you stories on...

• Winners of the 32nd Annual Global Media Awards Announced
  The winners of the 32nd annual Global Media Awards (GMAs), which honor excellence in population reporting, have been announced! This year, the GMAs will be honoring achievements in ten categories and the winners include the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund, a Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist, a Kenyan newspaper report on the 7 billion mark, and an Ethiopian serial drama. The awards dinner will be held in New York City on January 12, 2012
• Population Institute Cited in Nicholas Kristof Editorial
  In his November 2 op-ed piece for The New York Times titled, "The Birth Control Solution," columnist Nicholas Kristof asked, "What if there were a solution to many of the global problems that confront us, from climate change to poverty to civil wars?" Kristof says there is a solution: family planning, along with girls' education, women's rights, and an end to child marriages in developing countries. In his column, Kristof cited the Population Institute's new report, From 6 Billion to 7 Billion, on the critical role that gender equality plays in reducing birth rates.
• Population Institute Organizes "Speak Out" on 7 Billion Mark
  In conjunction with the 7 billion population mark that was officially reached on October 31, 2011, the Population Institute organized a special Global Population Speak Out (GPSO). The campaign was entitled, "7 Billion: It's Time to Talk," and featured the launch of a new website to engage and inform the activist community in building support for universal access to family planning and reproductive health services. As part of the GPSO, representatives of the Population Institute participated in nearly two dozen radio and television shows, and authored several opinion (oped) pieces for publication in newspapers and on-line publications.
• Sounding Off on the World at 7 Billion
  According to estimates from the United Nations, world population crossed the seven billion mark on October 31, 2011 – a scant 12 years after reaching six billion in 1999. The landmark prompted a variety of reactions all around the world, from celebratory to cautionary. Common among the remarks was a call for serious reflection and consideration on where we go from here. Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of United Nations Population Fund, emphasized the need to educate young girls; Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia University discussed the importance of reducing worldwide fertility rates in order to achieve sustainable development; and Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, called for the world to "unite, seven billion strong, in the name of the global common good."
• Grist Comic Talks about 7 Billion
  Among the myriad articles and commentary covering the seven billion landmark in world population, online environmental magazine Grist came up with a different approach: an illustrated web comic. In a very straight-forward manner, the six-page comic covers a variety of topics, including population growth in developing countries, the challenges and successes of family planning, and what slowing population growth can mean for everyone. The comic also provides helpful suggestions on what each of us can do to increase public awareness and support.
• UN Warns of Food Insecurity
  The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization released its annual report on the world food situation in October. The report warned that, "Food price volatility featuring high prices is likely to continue and possibly increase, making poor farmers, consumers and countries more vulnerable to poverty and food insecurity." The report indicated that, "Small, import-dependent countries, particularly in Africa, are especially at risk. Many of them still face severe problems following the world food and economic crises of 2006-2008." The report, "The State of Food Insecurity in the World 2011" also warned that rising food prices and droughts in place like the Horn of Africa, "are challenging our efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of reducing the proportion of people who suffer from hunger by half in 2015."
• UNDP Releases New Report on the Environment and Global Development
  On November 2 in Copenhagen, Denmark, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) launched its 2011 Human Development Report, titled Sustainability and Equity: A Better Future for All. The report warns, "Development progress in the world's poorest countries could be halted or even reversed by mid-century unless bold steps are taken now to slow climate change, prevent further environmental damage, and reduce deep inequalities within and among nations." With the Rio 20 Conference fast approaching, the Report urges world leaders to understand the "critical" links between environmental sustainability and equity.
• UNFPA Releases 2011 State of World Population
  Just in time for the world to greet the birth of its seven billionth inhabitant, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has released its annual State of World Population report. The report emphasized that, despite declines in fertility (women are now averaging 2.5 children during their lifetimes), global population is still growing at a rate of 80 million per year. The report noted that, "In many parts of the developing world, where population growth is outpacing economic growth, the need for reproductive health services, especially family planning, remains great."
• The War on Women Continues in Congress
  2011 is turning out to be a challenging year for women's reproductive health as Congress moves to cut funding both domestically and internationally. The House’s proposed FY 2012 budget for Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education would slash or eliminate funding for the Title X Family Planning Program, Planned Parenthood, the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative, and the President's health care reform law. U.S. funding for UNFPA funding has also come under fire. And in the latest assault, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 358, the so-called "Protect Life Act." Supporters of the bill say it will prevent federal funding from being used to provide abortions, but the measure would endanger women's health by allowing hospitals to refuse treatment to a woman even in a life-threatening situation. The bill will face stiff opposition in the Senate, and President Obama has promised to veto the legislation should it reach his desk.

For more information visit: http://www.populationinstitute.org

SAVE OAHU FARMLANDS!

Aloha, All,

Below is a copy of an op-ed piece I wrote for the Star-Advertiser which was published this morning. All of the maps that make the claims in the article irrefutable are attached. (They were not printed in the newspaper.) Comments written to the Internet edition are also copied below. Please forward this to people you are in contact with. It is one more very important claim that may break Horton's case at the Land Use Commission. We need your testimony at the hearing this Thursday, November 17. We also need money. Please see www.stophoopili.com for instructions on sending both. We deeply appreciate your support.

Kioni

Monday, November 14, 2011 86.0°F

ISLAND VOICES

Ho'opili farming initiative is a myth

By Kioni Dudley

In a remarkable editorial on Nov. 2, the Star-Advertiser declared that developer D.R. Horton's plan for urban agriculture at their controversial Ho‘opili project did not pass scrutiny ("Ho‘opili ag conviction falls flat," Our View, Star-Advertiser).

This will explain more.

Before its recent return to the Land Use Commission to get its land reclassified from ag to urban for the Ho‘opili project, Horton needed to counter the hard realities that the 1,525 acres of prime farmland it would take for the project are the highest-producing farmland in the state, that the land currently produces a whopping 30 percent of all the fresh local produce we eat, and that the day will come when the people of Hawaii will need that farmland to survive.

To do this, it concocted the "Ho‘opili Urban Agricultural Initiative," a marvelously imaginative Oz with "civic farms" for "commercial farming," eight acres of "community gardens" and 84 acres of small "steward farms."

The Urban Ag Initiative is a fanciful construct of words that resembles reality about as much as the yellow brick road. Horton has brazenly presented it to the public with maps and diagrams, and hired Nalo Farms' Dean Okimoto as poster boy to sell the myth as truth. Their maps incontrovertibly establish the falsehood.

The original Ho‘opili master plan map identifies a number of large light-green "open space/buffer" areas. (See attached Scan0063). Checking the GPS map, one finds that these are almost all gulches, gullies and hillsides — junk lands that the current farmer doesn't use at all.(GPS map is at the bottom of this page.) In its new Urban Agriculture Initiative map, however, these same gulches, gullies and hillsides are designated as the 159 acres available for lease as "commercial farms."(See Scan SOFA MAP)

The second feature of the Urban Ag Initiative is eight acres of community gardens. These are the only things that seem to be real.

The most innovative facet of Horton's new plan is its 84 acres of "steward farms." "Steward" is a Biblical concept — the good steward caring for the lands of his master, reaping profits for him while administering his farm with justice. Horton's write-up adds a local flavor: It "captures the best parts of old Hawaii where families grew their own fruits and vegetables, either to eat themselves or to share."

Steward farms are "for-profit farming operations, on properties with agriculture-friendly covenants, where owners can produce their own food, share with neighbors, or even offer excess food produced to the general marketplace for sale."

The concept evokes pictures of as many as 84 farm-homes with an acre or more of additional property, or 42 homes with two additional acres each.

In a stunning revelation before the commission recently, however, it was disclosed that the prototype steward farm is a 1,200 square foot house on a 5,000 square foot lot — an R-5 lot, the smallest lot allowed in a subdivision (See attached Scan 0148). The "farm" turns out to be the same puny backyard and side slivers of land that one finds in any R-5 homesite, except that, instead of planting shrubs, these owners will plant "edible landscapes in order to enjoy the productive and economic value of their own land" — if they choose to. The "professionally managed farm services" that were to "support the farming operations" turn out to be landscape gardeners one might hire to care for the yard. And the special 84 acres of farmland all seem to have completely disappeared, absorbed into a multitude of R-5 house lots.

Again, D.R. Horton gets caught with its plants down. There are no real "commercial farms" in this project, nor any real steward farms. There is plenty of deceit.

They call it Ho‘opili, the gathering place. We call it Ho‘o-pilikia — deep trouble for all of us.

COMMENTS

Kalli wrote:

Kioni is absolutely correct. This is a public relations ploy by DR Horton to get the permits to build over 11,000 homes and add over 30,000 people to the all ready crowded area. They have bought off all the local politicians except for Rep. Rida Cabinilla. Take a look at Tim Tuckers island voices column on the broken promises from Haseko and you will have the same results for Hoopili. They will say anything to get permits and then who holds them accountable for living up to the fulfillment of these promises?

on November 14,2011 | 03:58AM

islandsun wrote:

Nobody wants this lousy project except the construction unions and related cronies. They would build their ugly cracker boxes and get out with the loot. Only short term jobs generated but the loss of good land will be forever.

on November 14,2011 | 04:46AM

soundofreason wrote:

This will create only temporary jobs at we will lose more sustainability FOREVER. This project cannot BE undone. They will literally dig out this PRIME soil before laying houses on this land. Have we learned nothing about being dependent on other sources from our foreign oil situation? Are we, as a State, just going to turn around and do the same with our food?

on November 14,2011 | 05:50AM

bender wrote:

How many bites at the apple does D.R. Horton get anyway. Can they keep coming back to the Land Use Commission over and over again until they get the answer they want. Kind of reminds me of a child who wants a toy but has been told no. Unfortunately the stakes are much higher than a child wanting a toy.

on November 14,2011 | 06:32AM

Anonymous wrote:

Hoopili is not the best agricultureal land on OaHu, Wailua and north shore have lots of good ag land. Keoni is perpetuating a myth too - to say the Hoopili ag land cannot be replaced is a bald-faced lie.

on November 14,2011 | 09:40AM

localguy wrote:

D.R. Horton needs to admit their failures and move on. Their "Hula Hoop" housing fiasco will never make it. The people have seen through all their shibai and decided it was not right, would not fit, would not make it. Master planned? NOT!!! Remember the design fiasco at the Waikele Shopping Center, Waipahu, HI. Take the freeway off ramp and you have to stop for oncoming traffic. Look to your right and you see not one but two sidewalks, side by side. Off ramp should have gone straight to the entrance to the shopping center. Next time you hear D.R. Horton or any other money making home builder on Hawaii say, "Master Planned" tell them "Trust but verify first." Developers only want to make money and move on, caring less for the mess they leave behind.

on November 14,2011 | 12:00PM

Below is the GPS map of the area.

Cool Things about "Keepin It Country"

I'd like to quote this btw. Keep the Country Country's been taken, but I think the exact phrasing of "keepin it country" mine and Lono's.

So the cool thing of the day today is THE MORE WORK YOU DO THE MORE YOU CAN EAT!! that's if you're doing the "organic workout" as I like to call it and are exercising your body. Working on the farm makes errthang better.

Lataz.