10-26-2013, 07:56 AM
geochem, spot on. Thank you.
Aaron, The tone of this subject is already a "dog fight". When sharing our opinions, could we attempt to keep civil discourse as a common goal? Both sides of this GMO issue have some valid points, and it will continue until the end of time. We all would fare well to watch the video TomK has shared, thank you TomK. It's not so much what we say, but how we say it. Us Hawaiians are like bananas; we bruise easy. [
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FYI, our ohana (who have been here for generations in Puna) was severely affected by the papaya ringspot virus. It almost wiped out the industry as we all know. We could not afford our property taxes any longer without farmers to lease our land. Subsequently, we had several developers that wanted to purchase our land and change the zoning to residential from AG "because all you can grow down here is papaya and orchids". This is our reality. We stand firmly behind our farmers, will not sell, and will continue to support AG use of all varieties. Not everything is about money, but we need it in the western world to survive (ie. paying property taxes, living expenses, etc.).
A good example: After extensive research, years of debates, and finally, factual scientific findings, Japan has lifted the ban on Hawaii GMO papaya, and our papaya industry gains a big customer back. Good news for our local economy as a whole.
As to Mr. Ha and his "banana patch", his tenure as a farmer and business person for decades gives credence to his position. We may not agree with everything stated in an opinion, however, experience does carry weight. My respect for Mr. Ha and his contribution to this community far outweighs this one GMO issue.
Again, where is the balance? JMO.
Aaron, The tone of this subject is already a "dog fight". When sharing our opinions, could we attempt to keep civil discourse as a common goal? Both sides of this GMO issue have some valid points, and it will continue until the end of time. We all would fare well to watch the video TomK has shared, thank you TomK. It's not so much what we say, but how we say it. Us Hawaiians are like bananas; we bruise easy. [
]FYI, our ohana (who have been here for generations in Puna) was severely affected by the papaya ringspot virus. It almost wiped out the industry as we all know. We could not afford our property taxes any longer without farmers to lease our land. Subsequently, we had several developers that wanted to purchase our land and change the zoning to residential from AG "because all you can grow down here is papaya and orchids". This is our reality. We stand firmly behind our farmers, will not sell, and will continue to support AG use of all varieties. Not everything is about money, but we need it in the western world to survive (ie. paying property taxes, living expenses, etc.).
A good example: After extensive research, years of debates, and finally, factual scientific findings, Japan has lifted the ban on Hawaii GMO papaya, and our papaya industry gains a big customer back. Good news for our local economy as a whole.
As to Mr. Ha and his "banana patch", his tenure as a farmer and business person for decades gives credence to his position. We may not agree with everything stated in an opinion, however, experience does carry weight. My respect for Mr. Ha and his contribution to this community far outweighs this one GMO issue.
Again, where is the balance? JMO.