Go to GMO Free Hawaii Home Page for more info on genetic engineering in Hawaii

Genetic Engineering on Kauai

The multinational corporations that dominate the genetic engineering industry have made a home for themselves here on the Garden Island. DuPont/Pioneer, Monsanto, Sygnenta and others have selected the state of Hawaii (and Kauai in particular) as the place to conduct some of their most experimental open-air field trials of genetically engineered crops. We are concerned about the effects these introduced, novel species will have on our public health, our local agricultural economy, and our fragile environment.

GMO-Free Kauai is a group of citizen volunteers from all sectors of the Kauai community working to move our island's agriculture away from genetic engineering. On this page you can learn more about the campaigns we are working on, ways you can get involved, and upcoming events. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about this important issue.

Current Campaigns:

Children's Education: Pioneer, the biggest seed company in the world and now a subsidiary of the multinational corporation DuPont, has been going to elementary schools on Kauai and telling third and fourth graders that genetic engineering is good for farmers and the environment. Initially they were even handing out packets of genetically engineered corn to the children to take home with them. We are concerned about the curriculum that Pioneer has presented to Kauai school children, and are working to create an alternative curriculum about the dangers of genetic engineering and the benefits of truly sustainable agriculture that we can then bring to our local elementary schools. If you are interested in helping develop this curriculum or in teaching it once it is finalized, please contact us and we will connect you to this working group.

Papaya testing: The genetically engineered papaya has caused myriad problems for papaya growers on the Big Island. The trees are weaker and more susceptible to diseases like the blackspot fungus, importers from other countries do not want to buy GMO papayas which drives the price down, and contamination of non-GMO seed has been widespread. Farmers who through they were growing organic or conventional papayas have discovered that there trees are actually GMO, caused by seed contamination and cross-pollination.

We are concerned that there are genetically engineered papayas growing here on Kauai, and have begun conducting free testing of papayas in neighborhoods across Kauai. If you are concerned that papayas you grow or that you buy in the store could be genetically engineered, please give us a call to find out when the next testing day will be. All you need to do is bring a ripe papaya with developed seeds, a new leaf from the tree if possible, and detailed information about where that papaya came from and the date it was picked (or bought at the store).

Legislation: We are working to promote and support state legislation that would better regulate and control genetically engineered crops.

Kauai State Senator Gary Hooser and Kauai State Representative Hermina Morita have been strong supporters of reason and caution when it comes to genetically engineered crops in Hawaii. We thank them for all their good work and support and encourage you to contact them and thank them for taking action on this issue.

Public Outreach: We are consistently trying to find new ways to spread the word about this issue to the people of Kauai. As a result, we often table at public events and farmers markets, organize neighborhood gatherings where we show films about genetic engineering and facilitate discussion, and speak to other groups and organizations. If you are interested in helping with this outreach work, or if you are a part of a group that you think should know more about this issue, please contact us.

Media: Newspaper, television, and radio are powerful mediums through which we can inform people about genetic engineering. We frequently write letters to the editor, speak on talk radio shows, and submit articles to local newspapers. If you would like to help do media outreach, please contact us. If you are interested in submitting a letter to the editor on your own, please click here for information about how to write and where to send your letters.

Fundraising: As a grassroots organization, our financial situation is perpetually tight. We have existed thus far from t-shirt and bumper sticker sales, donations, and one project grant we received. We hold public fundraising parties and events and are working on putting together more grant applications. If you are able to contribute financially, please send checks to Hawaii GEAN (Genetic Engineering Action Network) at PO Box 1586, Hanalei, HI 96714. All money goes straight into our project work. If you are interested in helping to organize fundraising events or do grant writing, we would greatly appreciate your energy and support.

New campaigns are in the works, and we are always open to suggestions and ideas for other campaigns we should work on.

What you can do:

1) Participate in one of our campaign working groups.

2) Make a donation to GMO-Free Kauai. There are many ways to donate: if you are a musician, we can help organize a benefit concert. If you are an artist, you can donate the proceeds from a painting. If you are a farmer, you can donate food to an upcoming event. We also need financial support to make our campaigns a success. All donations are greatly appreciated and go directly into our project work.

3) Write a letter to the editor. Letters to the editor should be short (no more than 500 words) and to the point, and are a very effective way of sharing your ideas with the people in your community. Find out where to send letters to the editor.

4) Call our local elected officials. Call Mayor Baptiste and tell him this is something you are concerned about. Call our county council and urge them to take action on this issue. Find out how. They need to hear your voices!.

5) Fill a petition with signatures. You can Download our Petition Here and circulate it among your friends and co- workers. This is a powerful way for us to quantify the number of people behind this movement.

6) Vote. Register yourself if you haven't already, encourage friends to register, and help get people to the polls. We will be compiling a list of candidates in the next election who support our work, and if we can develop a strong enough voting block, we can have a profound effect on who is legislating genetic engineering in our county and our state.

7) Educate yourself. Check out the links to other websites on our page. Buy one of the books we have listed. There is so much to learn about this issue, and knowledge truly does make us powerful.

8) Educate your friends. The biotechnology industry has an incredible amount of money to spend spreading their message about genetic engineering. While we cannot compete with the size of their coffers, we do have people power on our side. Do all you can to spread the word about this issue and help get the truth out about genetic engineering.

9) Harness the power of your dollar. Consumer choices do make a difference. Organic foods are not allowed to contain genetically engineered ingredients. Buying organic is the only way to be sure you are avoiding GMO foods. Support our local growers and buy organic whenever you can. For a comprehensive guide to foods with genetically engineered ingredients, please see the True Food Network's shopping guide

10) Call our local grocery stores and tell them you don't want to eat genetically engineered foods. It was the power of the consumer in England that moved British grocery stores to stop using genetically engineered ingredients in their local brands. Thousands of calls flooded into the supermarkets each day, and finally the stores had to listen to their customers. On Kauai it wouldn't take thousands of calls to make a big impact on our local stores.

Have hope and do what you can. Working together, we can change the future of Kauai agriculture and move the Garden Island away from genetic engineering and towards locally-based, sustainable agriculture.

Based on the book of Catherine Johnson, Mammia Mia! is a musical that features ABBA%27s songs. The title suggests that it might be a biography of the Swedish band as it was also the title of their massive hit in 1975 but this is not so. It is fiction. Judy Craymer conceived the idea of the musical and worked with Catherine Johnson, the play writer, when finally Phyllida Lloyd came in the picture as the director. It is three strong women presenting the tale of 3 strong women. If nothing else, the play is worth this much at least so get your Discount Mamma Mia! Tickets today.

Get ready to be thrilled by one of the football’s hottest contestants, San Diego Chargers. The 14-time Division Champions San Diego Chargers are once again all-set to land on the grounds.San Diego Chargers Games are much awaited while The Chargers fans keep a close eye on the health, fitness and practice of their favorite players. While, the franchise is best known for its aggressive yet clean play, San Diego Chargers charge spectators with their non-stop action, excitement and a unique style of play. Are the Chargers in a form to wreck havoc on the opponents this season? Well, grab San Diego Chargers Games Tickets and see your favorite team LIVE in the stadium!

Written by Gaston Leroux, Phantom of the Opera originally came out as a novel in French language, which was later adopted as a musical in 1976 by Ken Hill and again in 1986 by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical opened on London’s West End in 1986 and is still running, making it the second longest running West End musical in the history, while longest running Broadway musical ever. Musical is also cited to be the most successful entertainment project ever. If you haven’t seen this spectacular yet, or want to give it another go, get your cheap Phantom of the Opera Tickets here!

Born on the 23rd of May, 1973, Maxwell is an R&B singer credited with helping bring the neo-soul genre of music to the mainstream. With four platinum albums to date, Maxwell has defied the culture of underground neo-soul artists and has truly reached the listeners hearts with his strong voice and subjective lyrical content. In addition to churning out a number of top ten hits and number ones, Maxwell has also guest starred on songs with artists such as Nas and The Alchemist. If you want to catch one of the soulful performances by this superstar, get your Maxwell Tickets today.

Music, color, acrobatics and dance… Elements that make Cirque Du Soleil stand out notable among production companies. French for “Circus of the Sun”, Cirque Du Soleil is an organization that%92s more identified with family entertainment. People who have seen Cirque Du Soleuil%92s shows know that their each show is a synthesis of circus styles from around the world, with its own central theme and storyline. The entertainment company is going to welcome the year 2009 by pitching its big top in your City and will present its latest touring show. So don%92t wait any longer and reserve your tickets ASAP for the unforgettable New Year events Cirque Du Soeil has to offer!

The “Memory” song Musical Cats is coming back to theatres with a big bang! The Cats Show is actually inspired from the T.S Eliot writing Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats. The music of the show is done by the timeless Andrew Lloyd Webber and the lyrics are written by Trevor Nunn along with the T.S Eliot originals. The Cats show first came to the masses in 1981 and Trevor Nunn directed it. This Musical has won numerous awards including Tony Awards and Laurence Olivier Award. To watch this timeless masterpiece get the Cats Show Tickets now!

The toughest athletic teams of the Big East Conference that represents the Georgetown University in intercollegiate sports, known as Georgetown Hoyas, belong to the Division I of NCCA. There are 27 varsity teams, and the Georgetown Hoyas basketball team for men is the most famous and most successful program out of these. The Hoyas have gathered a huge fan following from all around the nation and are considered to be a major threat to the rest of the teams in the ferocious Big East Conference. This season, as they are all geared up to win the division title, it is going to be a must watch event! Book your Georgetown Hoyas Tickets today!

Sports always need strong patronage otherwise the games would fail to blossom. It is just like you water plants, nourishing them to attain growth. University teams work towards achieving just the goal. Referred to as the Terps, The Maryland Terrapins denote the University of Maryland, College Park in NCAA sports. The state of Maryland in USA is situated in the Mid Atlantic region and almost equals Belgium in size. Currently, 27 varsity teams are sponsored by the University of Maryland. Fun is also an inherent part with Testudo the Turtle as their mascot. The Maryland Terrapins have won a total of 25 NCAA National Championships with seven wins in men’s sports and eighteen victories in women’s sports. Some of the sports fostered by the University are basketball, field hockey, football, lacrosse and soccer. For the best of University sports, be sure to get Maryland Terrapins Tickets!

Still relishing in the pleasant memories of its fairy tale and Cinderella story is the professional basketball team of New York Knicks. Other than the Boston Celtics, the franchise is located in the very city it was founded which means the team has never even once relocated. Currently valued at $ 608 million, it is the most valuable franchise in NBA. Originally a member of the former Basketball Association of America, Knicks joined the NBA in 1946. With 2 Championship titles, 8 Conference titles and 9 Division titles, Knicks are truly the king of the game. Grab New York Knicks Tickets now and catch them in action.

Nobody knows who Kenneth Bruce Gorelick is for the legend is known by his stage name of Kenny G. The 53 year old Grammy Award winning saxophonist has gathered unprecedented success over the years. He was brought into the limelight first when he released his fourth album Duotones, which was an instant hit. Kenny's dexterity with soprano saxophone is almost too good to be true, it is almost magical. All this is a virtue of years and years of practice for he has been playing the instrument when he was 10 years old. So the hard work has been paying off as people these days are high on him! If you too are one of those you better grab Kenny G Tickets pronto!

Born on the 23rd of May, 1973, Maxwell is an R&B singer credited with helping bring the neo-soul genre of music to the mainstream. With four platinum albums to date, Maxwell has defied the culture of underground neo-soul artists and has truly reached the listeners hearts with his strong voice and subjective lyrical content. In addition to churning out a number of top ten hits and number ones, Maxwell has also guest starred on songs with artists such as Nas and The Alchemist. If you want to catch one of the soulful performances by this superstar, get your Maxwell Tickets today.

A must-see place for all sports fanatics and music lovers of Sacrament, Arco Arena invites everyone to be a part of its new upcoming presentations. Undoubtedly the most happening live music venue and sports arena of Sacramento, Arco Arena is a place where entertainment, fun and activity never stop. Arco Arena Sacramento California continues its tradition of giving keen pleasure to its visitors and thus it brings a brand new series of country’s best events. There’s music, there’s dance, there’s fun, there’s romance… there’s heaps of fun, so don’t miss your chance. Gear up for the biggest events and snatch up your Arco Arena Sacramento California Tickets today!

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra better known as CSOis one of theorchestras from American Big five. This Orchestra is playing classical music since 1891 at the Orchestra Hall in Chicago. The CSO is famous for playing in the Ravinia Festival all summer.  This symphonic orchestra was created by Theodore Thomas. The current members of the orchestra include Riccardo Muti as the Music Director, Bernard Haitink as Principal Conductor, Pierre Boulez and Cliff Colnot are the Orchestra Conductors. The Chorus direction is done by Duain Wolfe. To attend their next performance get the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Tickets now.

Established in 1898, the Arizona Cardinals are the oldest running professional American football club in the country. The club plays in the Western Conference of the NFC in the National Football League. The Cardinals have won a total of 5 division championships and 2 league championships throughout their history. The team clad in red and white, plays its home games at the 72,200 capacity University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals have a vast fan following due to their exciting matches and entertaining methods of play. Most matches are usually sold out days before the event. Buy your Arizona Cardinal Tickets today to guarantee a chance to catch one of their many electrifying live games.

While the NFL season is in full swing, the Colts are ready to fight, play and win. Based in Indianapolis, Indiana; Indianapolis Colts is a pro American football team representing the South Division of the AFC. The franchise was earlier based in Baltimore and it moved to Indianapolis in 1984. They have won 3 NFL Championships and 2 Super Bowl Championships besides many titles on Conference and Divisional levels. With their power-play and consistency, the Colts have always maintained a sincere fan base. If you want to support them during their home games at Lucas Oil Stadium or away games; then grab Indianapolis Colts Tickets and catch the thrilling game!

Get ready to be thrilled by one of the football’s hottest contestants, San Diego Chargers. The 14-time Division Champions San Diego Chargers are once again all-set to land on the grounds. San Diego Chargers Games are much awaited while The Chargers fans keep a close eye on the health, fitness and practice of their favorite players. While, the franchise is best known for its aggressive yet clean play, San Diego Chargers charge spectators with their non-stop action, excitement and a unique style of play. Are the Chargers in a form to wreck havoc on the opponents this season? Well, grab San Diego Chargers Games Tickets and see your favorite team LIVE in the stadium!

It is widely believed that the Georgia Bulldogs, a name given to all the athletic teams of the University of Georgia, have given birth and rise to more legends than any other varsity%27s athletic teams and all for right reasons. John Russel, Andy Landers, Fran Tarkenton and Suzanne Yoculan were all best in their fields. Draped in red and black and cheered by the beloved Uga VII and Hairy Dawg, two of the official mascots of the Bulldogs, a total of 19 teams compete in various sports. Grab all the action for yourself and get your Georgia Bulldogs Tickets now!

If you a Rascal Flatts fan and looking for Rascal Flatts Tour in your hometown, there is than a good chance for you to get a lively afternoon with your favorite pop and country music players. Schedules suggests that Rascal Flatts Tickets will be visiting Indio on May 3rd, then moving to Fort Wayne on 9th, Dayton on 10th. Then a break of month and you may find Rascal Flatts in Indianapolis on June 14th, in Texas and Kansas latter on in June. There is caution, to get your tickets booked at earliest to avoid any climb in the rates, as Rascal Flatts proudly owns many enthusiastic fans who washout the tickets in very little time.

Are you bored of life? Looks like nothing is appealing to you anymore? Well, think again! One of the most exciting and yearned for events of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games can soon be attended! Yes, we are talking about the Men’s Large Hill Team Final! Prepare yourself for this ravishing experience, and witness your favorite and some of the top athletes engaging themselves into this exciting sport! Book your 2010 Winter Games: Ski Jumping - Mens Large Hill Team Final Tickets today, and get enticed by the thrill of the game! It is a must watch!

It is that time of the year again, when there is lots of snow, lots of fun, lots of Christmas presents and lots of winter sports! That's right the 2010 Winter Games are here! And just like every year the most anticipated competition is the super exciting snowboard, men's cross! The sport is hardcore, adrenalin pumping, full of action, extreme. And all that is completely understandable for the basic inspiration for this comes from the motocross and the influence of it is massive on this sport as well. Grab the 2010 Winter Games: Snowboard – Men’s Cross Tickets and catch all the action live!

Disney added the Disney on Ice: Celebrations show to their already successful Disney on Ice tour on September 4th, 2009. This show is billed as ‘The World’s Biggest Ice Party’, with a true party-like atmosphere including colorful performers and lively music. The show features Disney favorite characters such as Peter Pan, Cinderella, Pinocchio and The Little Mermaid among many others. This is the perfect entertainment for families as kids will be mesmerized by the spectacle while parents cannot neglect the enjoyable experience. To guarantee a night of magic for you and your family, buy your Disney on Ice: Celebrations Tickets today.

You probably think that golf is for retired folks or for bankers who want to win clients by impressing them with their precise shots. The fact is that the game has evolved over the years with the relatively younger people taking keen interest in it. The game might not be accessible for all to play but perhaps watching it could instill some excitement in your bored life. The Masters Golf Tournament provides an avenue where fresh talent can participate, it being the first of the majors to be played every year. The venue of Augusta National Golf Club serves as the venue of this grand event which is held in April of every year in the first entire week. It is distinct in being an invitational event where keen players have to seek entry permission from the venue body. Seek the best in golf action by securing Masters Golf Tournament - Tuesday Practice Round Tickets; book your seats for April 06, 2010. Experience the difference!

The America as we know it remains incomplete without the memories of the natives that inhabited it till a century ago. Various groups still pay tribute to them in different ways. If on the one hand Hollywood movies have capitalized on the themes of apaches, sometimes showing them burning down towns while at others presenting them as peaceful and negotiable, other groups also try to retain their essence in their own way. The University of Utah has done this by forming The Utah Utes, the athletics teams which are named after the Ute tribe of Native Americans. “Running’ Utes” is what they call the men’s basketball team while the title of “Red Rocks” is given to women’s gymnastics team. The team has grabbed twenty-six conference championships. Do not deny yourself the chance of seeing these teams in action. Book Utah Utes Tickets!

The two emperors of the country music Keith Urban and Taylor Swift are coming together  to rock the stage with their Escape Together World tour. Keith Urban with his latest album Defying Gravity is all set for many memorable performances. Taylor Swift giving one after another hit is, just unstoppable. Imagine the magic on stage when these two powerhouses of talent perform together. In The tour they are also accompanied with great artists like Sugarland, Dierks Bentley, Lady Antebellum, Glen Campbell, Jason Aldean and The Zac Brown Band. To watch these country music divas live get the Keith Urban & Taylor Swift Tickets now!

The proud of California, Los Angeles Lakers are all set to once again show their sports spirit, energy and wisdom as well as a great play. Los Angeles Lakers seem to wreck havoc on opponents this season. It%92s going to be NBA%92s huge season again which will take basketball fans to the journey of adversity, ultimate triumph and tragedy. If you%92re a Lakers fan, you must make it to the stadium to cheer on them. Order Los Angeles Lakers Tickets before the masses grab them and see a yet-another highly anticipated series of Los Angeles Lakers games. Don%92t forget to wear purple!

Great news for all Houston Rockets fan who have been missing them like anything during the summers. The Rockets are not only back but they sure look like they have their eyes on the pie and would not let go off a single point this time around. Good for them, I say as for a while now before their 2009 season as the Rockets were looking rustier than ever as they had lost all their luster. But all that is about to change as Yao Ming has been drafted with which the morals of the Rockets are better than ever. So you better make sure that you do not miss a single Houston Rocket moment by booking your Rocket Tickets today!

The greatest guitarist of all times George Buddy Guy is bringing to you his best!  He is the amazing Chicago blues musician active since 1953 and has bagged five Grammy awards for his brilliance. He has inspired many great names including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He has many albums to his credit including hits like Hoodoo Man Blues, A Man and the Blues, Breaking Out , Damn Right, I've Got the Blues, Buddy’s Baddest: The Best of Buddy Guy and Bring 'Em In. To watch him recreate the magic, get the Buddy Guy Tickets.

The Oldest tournament of tennis Wimbledon is back on with heat! The Most prestigious tennis championship of London is bringing new horizons of competitions. The games are played are at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club since 1877. The current champions of the Wimbledon title are French Roger Federer in Men's Singles and American Serena Williams in Women's Singles. The Wimbledon has the luxuries of its own real grass surfaces, strawberries and champagne. Sounds like a party to me but the cut throat completion is still on as the stakes high! Be there! get your Wimbledon Tickets already

When Tool goes on tour, fans go crazy... such is the popularity of this LA band which was formed in the early 1990s. They were immensely popular in the early 1990s where they enjoyed a special place amongst alternative rock friends. The band enjoys a magnificent persona because their private lives remain murky due to the strict censor policy of the band as it likes to keep its private life private. If anything such a policy has increased the charm and appeal of this band for their fans and they don’t miss a chance to attend their live concerts. Grab Tool Concert Tickets and have fun.  

GMO Free Hawaii Main Page

Copyright GMO FREE KAUAI 2002/03