Food Security, Mauna Kea

What Is Our Plan?

What is our plan for the future?

Recently there have been headlines about building a giant new telescope on Mauna Kea. It’s called the Thirty-Meter Telescope (TMT), and I have written before about some of the unprecedented benefits we may see if the telescope is built here.

I look upon this telescope within the context of food security.

Does that angle surprise you? I’m a farmer, and this is a subject I know about.

I also know that we built our whole society on cheap oil, and assumed it would last forever. It will not, and we need to come to grips with this reality. The history of oil is only 150 years old. It is only a small blip in the history of human kind.

This past October I attended the Peak Oil conference – the only person from Hawai‘i to do so – in Houston. The Association for the Study of Peak Oil is a non-partisan organization whose objective is to bring accurate information to people about the subject of Peak Oil (the point where oil has reached its point of highest production, after which production will decrease at an increasing rate).

As oil production decreases, demand from developing countries will increase at an increasing rate, and that means higher prices for all things associated with oil. It also means that oil will go to the highest bidder worldwide. Others who depend on oil might starve.

It’s important to realize, too, that oil supply and world population stats are tied together. Oil has allowed us to grow more food, and more food equals more people.

So what will happen when there is less oil? Less oil equals less food, and less food means fewer people. This is inevitable.

What will we do, sitting out here in the middle of the Pacific? Will we try to feed all our people? Or will we send some of the people away to look for new lands?

For those of us who are over 60 years old, it’s really not about us. We have lived our lives already. We can stash cans of spam and corned beef for a few years.

It’s about the youngsters now, and future generations. Let’s help them.

We are at a tipping point, and the Thirty-Meter Telescope gives us a real option. It is a much better option than tourism.

What is our plan for the future?

Community, Current Affairs, Mauna Kea

TMT – It’s Not About Us Anymore

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Seeing the powerful play Kamau recently was gut wrenching, and very emotional for me.

I knew that it was my grandson Kapono up there, acting. But it wasn’t him. It was the character Alika. And it was me.

Sitting in the audience, I absolutely identified with the family losing the only home they knew. And the conflicts within one’s self – that is real, too.

I went through all that myself when I was younger. I had no direction. I flunked out of school and got drafted. I volunteered to become an officer and then went to Vietnam.

There, we were 100 people in an infantry company walking through the jungle. No one could easily come and help us if we needed. It was real – people were shooting and getting shot.

There was no room for feeling sorry for oneself; not even a little bit. You used every bit of skill and cleverness that you had, fought and took care of each other to survive.

As in the play, there was loyalty. Every single one of the people in our company in Vietnam absolutely knew and there was no doubt – not even a little – that leaving someone behind was not an option.

When I came back from Vietnam, I was a changed person. I had direction. I majored in accounting because I wanted to run some sort of business and I needed to keep score.

Now, everything is simple and very clear to me. It is not about us anymore – it is about the future generations. Leaving someone behind is still not an option. We live in the here and now and must use every bit of our skill and cleverness so that we can create the best environment for the following generations.

This is why I am for building the Thirty-Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. If we concentrate on what we can develop for future generations, instead of wallowing in past mistakes, it can help us transition to a future of sustainability for the next generations.

Thinking about sustainability shapes everything I do. It’s why we do everything we can to make our farm energy-self-sufficient. It’s why we started the Adopt-A-Class program – to take care of our own. It’s why we are putting on the E Malama ‘Aina festival – so people know they are not alone.

All of our people’s stories were in that play. It really hit me hard.

Renewable Energy Sources

Geothermal Is The Answer

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The answer here in Hawai‘i is to increase renewable energy.

The question? World oil supplies are decreasing at an increasing rate while demand is increasing at an increasing rate, so oil prices will keep rising and it will go to the highest bidder. What do we do, so that we don’t have to bid for oil against the rest of the world?

Solar power stops at night, and requires batteries to keep it steadily available. Wind is not dependable; it’s intermittent.

Geothermal, on the other hand, is steady and dependable.

I was the only person from Hawai‘i to attend the Peak Oil conference in Houston this past October. We knew then that world oil supplies would not keep up with the world’s oil demand.

The best renewable energy source for the Big Island is geothermal. If we cooperatively decided to research how geothermal could help us, we would see that we could make machines that run with electric motors, instead of fossil fuel motors.

In a world where energy supplies are running out, geothermal is not.

I wonder what the gods have planned for us.

Community, Sustainability

Still Time to Get Involved in E Malama ‘Aina Festival

The E Malama ‘Aina festival is coming up on November 7th and 8th.

A project of the Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce, the EMAF is a 2-day family festival taking place Nov. 7 & 8 at Hilo’s Mo‘oheau Park. Full of family fun, interactive activities, and a strong commitment to a traditional Hawaiian perspective on sustainability, the event will offer consumers and businesses a firsthand look at Hawai’i Island innovations and best practices aimed at sustainable, environmentally progressive living.

Here is the official website.

Booths are still available in the Alternative Energy “village,” the Building & Construction village and the Recycling & Composting one.

Call Richard at 960-1057 if you are interested in having a booth in one of these categories.

The Villages

The E Mālama ‘Āina Festival will be physically designed as a series of small “villages,” within which participating groups will be showcased. Each village is available for sponsorship, enabling businesses and community groups the opportunity to actively engage in the activity.

Event organizers have developed the following areas:

1.    Global Sponsor (Presenting Sponsor)
2.    Entertainment Bandstand
3.    Hawaiian Culture / Ahupua‘a
4.    Alternative Energy Village  Booths available
5.    The Learning Hui
6.    Food Production Village
7.    Farming & Agriculture Village
8.    Building & Construction Village Booths available
9.    Transportation Village
10.    Keiki Play Village
11.    Recycling/Composting Village  Booths available
12.    The E Mālama ‘Āina Festival Talk Story & Digital Film Fest @ the Palace

In addition, Vendor Booths (tables) will be available within respective Villages for a nominal fee.

The E Mālama ‘Āina Talk Story & Digital Film Fest

The E Mālama ‘Āina Talk Story & Digital Film Fest is an evening designed to engage the public in an exciting mix of activities taking place throughout Hawai’i Island aimed at a sustainable island lifestyle. Held in Hilo on Friday evening, Nov. 7, 2008, EMAF organizers are traveling throughout the island to meet, and film, innovators of sustainability — folks working to make a difference. These stories will be brought to life at E Mālama ‘Āina TALK STORY & DIGITAL FILM FEST, including a Q&A session with the short film subjects.

Also, soon we’ll be putting out an official “Call For Entries” to Hawai‘i filmmakers interested in sharing their digital short film on the subject of Sustainability In Hawai’i. Films received will be posted on the internet, and made available for the public to view, be inspired, and vote on the Film Fest competition. Films will be judged in 2 categories – a “People’s Choice Award” and an overall award as judged by our esteemed panel of judges.

Keep tuned in to the website for upcoming details.

Community, Mauna Kea

Kanaka Council

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Last night I spent some time bringing the Kanaka Council up-to-date about the Thirty-Meter Telescope (TMT). I primarily gave them an overview, explaining that the TMT asked the Hawaii Island Economic Development Board to develop a procedure where funds could be administered for the benefit of educational programs for the people.

I explained that the HIEDB, of which I am vice-president, made clear that it would not be involved if there was insensitivity toward the Hawaiian culture.

We all need to know what is going on so we can make good decisions, and yesterday was the fourth time I have brought information to the Kanaka Council. By now we have a healthy respect for each other. I completely share many of their sentiments. I don’t think that we differ very much at all.

They are passionate and very articulate about the differences between Western culture and Hawaiian culture. It looks to me that they are the Keeper of the Flame. Someone needs to do it! I have enormous respect for all of them.

And, I have to say, I am very comfortable around them. I know that I can come and go as I please. And the feeling is mutual.

There was a very lively discussion yesterday and the temperature rose a few degrees. But after a little bit we realized we were not that far apart.

They asked me what it was exactly that I wanted. I told them nothing; I was just bringing them current information. Rocky Jensen said, laughingly, “You’re just the messenger, right?” I laughed and said, “I hope everybody knows that.” It was serious, but good fun at the same time. No sense being too tense for too long.

The first person I brought to the Kanaka Council was Dawn Chang of Kuiwalu, which is the group charged with doing Mauna Kea’s Comprehensive Plan. Judge Hara had ruled that this was required before any more construction could occur on Mauna Kea.

The Kanaka Council dismissed Kuiwalu as a hired gun of the University of Hawai‘i. To her credit, Dawn Chang was a real trooper. A weaker person might have dissolved in tears. From where I sat, it was great spectator sport.

Next I brought Gail Tverberg, the keynote speaker at a recent energy forum, to the Kanaka Council.
I brought her from the Hilo Hawaiian’s Moku Ola Room to the Queen Lili‘uokalani Children’s Center for the Kanaka Council to hear her presentation. I was very impressed that they all had been at an important County Council meeting, and came back at 2 p.m. to listen to Gail and then went back to the Council testimony.

They treated Gail, who is from Atlanta, like a kupuna. Gail’s message resonated: “Sooner or later the boat will not arrive.” Tonight they told me that Gail could fit right now into their community. I agree.

After that I arranged for them to meet with the president of the TMT, Dr. Yang. I was impressed with the passionate testimony several of them delivered in a very eloquent way. And I was really happy that Dr. Yang made the effort to meet with them. Dr. Yang wants to be hands-on, not operating from a distance. I think that meeting was very beneficial to both sides.

After I talked with them last night, someone came to plead for the Kanaka Council’s help regarding a neighbor on conservation land who was applying for a variance to zoning rules. The Council is going to evaluate the circumstances around that application. They are going down to walk the land tomorrow to see exactly what was being discussed.

They are doing a very important function. I was very impressed.

Television

Richard Tapes Segment for PBS Hawaii

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I received this invitation from PBS Hawaii a short time ago and Monday I flew to O‘ahu to do the taping:

The production staff at PBS Hawaii is thrilled that you’re interested in joining us for an interview with Leslie Wilcox, our President and CEO, for Long Story Short with Leslie Wilcox.

I really like the fact that Leslie Wilcox is the new CEO of PBS. She lives in Waialua and is a real local girl, with local sensibilities, and PBS’s excellent programming shows it. She is so easy to know. It was like I’ve known her all my life.

And the interview was just like talking story. I might have said more than I needed to.

These schedules include time for you to receive HD styling for your hair and make up (which is a lot of fun, really).

I’m a veteran with hair and makeup, having done this for the Howard Dicus show awhile back. But this time I also received an eyebrow trim. I was asked if I minded, and next thing I knew part of my eyebrow was flying half way across the room. I just now came back from looking at it from all angles in the mirror. I guess it’s okay.

Please dress warmly – our studio is very cold (often below 60 degrees).

Yep, the camera people all dressed like the Unabomber.

Hawaii’s only regular program produced and broadcast in HD (high definition), Long Story Short is edited from a full interview into a half-hour program that we hope goes beyond the usual who-you-are, what-you-do Q&A to really reveal people’s character – beyond their accomplishments. We hope to share your story with our viewers in such a way that we expose your inner drive and personal passions.

I did not mean to, but I told some stories I had not thought of for 40 years. Something to do with running full-blast past the ghosts just in time to get dirty licking. It was Leslie’s fault.

Still in its first year, the program has already featured in-depth, one-on-one interviews with a diverse group of guests: Keali’i Reichel, Nona Beamer, Anne Namba, Brian Keaulana, Judge Sam King and Mayor Harry Kim. Coming up, we’ll feature Skylark Rossetti and Pat Saiki, two women from Hawai’i Island. Now we’re thrilled to include your name on that list.

The only reason I can figure why they called me is that “sustainability” must be top of mind. That is what I’ve been spending most of my time on recently. Maybe they were looking for Richard HO? Or Richard Hall? And got me by mistake?

I hope you’ll take the time to visit our website, where you’ll see dedicated web pages for each of our local programs, Leslie Wilcox’s new blog and our mission:

PBS Hawaii is a private non-profit organization whose mission is, “to inform, inspire and entertain by sharing high-quality programming and services that add value to our diverse island community.”

PBS Hawaii has a rich history of presenting educational and enlightening series like Sesame Street and Nova alongside award-winning, local productions like Na Mele: Traditions in Hawaiian Song. No organization in Hawai’i provides the quality and quantity of instructional and cultural programming at no charge to viewers statewide as PBS Hawaii.

I found out that PBS bought the national Chefs Afield series. That’s the one that featured Chef Alan Wong at Keaukaha School, where the students welcomed him with a chant, and where we cooked several pigs in the imu. Chef Alan made some really special dishes that evening – imagine taking home leftovers from Chef Alan Wong. And Kapono gave the blessing in Hawaiian with family and farmers in attendance. Really local style.

The season will premier this spring featuring Chef Alan, the cookout at Hamakua Springs and other Big Island venues. And, the special part – Keaukaha Elementary School goes national!

The invitation continues:

Just to make sure you know where and when to find Long Story Short, here are a few tips:

• Long Story Short with Leslie Wilcox is broadcast at 7:30pm on Tuesdays and 2:30pm on Sundays on PBS Hawaii. The audio portion of the program is broadcast on the radio on KUMU 94.7 FM at 7:00am on Sundays. And you can also download audio files and written transcripts of Long Story Short programs on our website at www.pbshawaii.org.

• PBS Hawaii can be viewed over-the-air on Channel 11 and on Oceanic Channel 10, Digital Channel 84 and HD Digital Channel 1010. The program may also be available “on demand” to Oceanic digital cable subscribers on Channel 110 (click Tuesday then KHET) for up to a week.

Wendy Suite, the show’s producer, sent me the above invitation. Now I know what producers do. She said, “Leslie will be here to meet and chat with you. Don’t tell her too many stories. I don’t want you to end up on the air just nodding politely after you run out of stories.” She laughed as she said it.

I didn’t tell her, but I don’t run out of things to say.

Community

Seeing the Play Kamau

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Remember the play we told you about the other day, in which Richard’s grandson Kapono (a.k.a. Christian Pa) played the lead?

The play is called Kamau, written by Alani Apio, and was performed up at Jason Scott Lee’s Ulua Theatre up in Volcano. Richard and June went to Opening Night, and I saw it on Friday night with a friend.

I don’t know if I can describe it adequately, except to say: Wow. What a powerful story and performance.

Kamau is the story of three male cousins who live in their family’s long-time home at the beach, where two of them fish for their living and the younger one, Alika (played by Kapono), is just out of high school and working as a tour guide. It tells the story of what happens when the land is sold to a developer who plans to build a hotel. Alika’s boss at the development company gets them more time to move, and finagles them some money to relocate. He convinces the company to offer the one cousin, Jason Scott Lee’s character Michael (a fisherman who cares for the family’s traditional fishing shrine) a job showing tourists how to fish.

Mostly it tells the story of two cultures colliding. And what I liked about it (and also found frustrating – but how true to life it is) was that it didn’t provide any pat, tidy answers. Life doesn’t always offer those up, does it?

Nobody was wholly a good guy or a bad guy. Everything didn’t magically work out at the end. But somehow, they found a way to carry on anyway. The play name, “Kamau” means “to carry on.”

It is really a powerful play. Thought-provoking, emotional and wrenching. Afterward, when we saw Jason Scott Lee standing outside, I told him how powerful I found it, and he laughed when I said I felt “wrung out.” I really did.

The acting was really very good. We were so impressed. Kapono starts at the University of Hawai‘i in the fall and is majoring in Performing Arts. I can imagine him doing very well.

We wrote here once about how Richard’s wife June, always wanted perform and “go on the road.” When she, Richard and Kapono were in New York City they saw lots of Broadway plays.

Maybe one day it will be Kapono up on that stage.

Biofuel

Biodiesel From The Farmer’s View: ‘No sense lose money!’

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It might have been a year ago when there was a flurry of meetings about biofuels. Farmers went to one or two meetings, did a quick calculation and never went to another one.

Here’s why:

Say a barrel of oil costs $200. There are 42 gallons in a barrel and there are 6.8 pounds to a gallon of oil. Therefore, one barrel of oil weighs 286 pounds. $200 divided by 286 pounds = 70 cents per pound.

Farmers thought:

How many pounds of nuts would I have to squeeze to make one pound of oil? Certainly more than two. Maybe even four.

If it takes four pounds of a product to make one pound of oil, then, when oil is priced at $200 per barrel, a farmer could expect to make no more than 18 cents per pound.

No sense lose money.

Blog, Eating Locally, Radio

Locavore Nation

I had a look at a University of Hawai‘i College of Tropical Agriculture blog the other day. It’s called Sustainable Agriculture, and the post Locavore Nation, Slow Food and the Importance of Agriculture in the Aloha State really caught my eye.

First some background: Remember Lynne Rossetto Kasper, host of the American Public Radio program The Splendid Table? She came to Hawai‘i last spring and gave a three-hour master class, Tomato 101, at Kapi‘olani Community College. And then she, along with the 100 professional chefs and culinary students in attendance, had a tomato tasting and Hamakua Springs won! It was very exciting.

From the Sustainable Agriculture blog:

American Public Media’s PBS radio program, The Splendid Table, which by the way, is the recipient of the 2008 James Beard Award for best radio food program, is sponsoring Locavore Nation, which features 15 bloggers from across the mainland writing about their experiences for one year as they they try to get 80 percent of their food from local, organic, seasonal sources and then to incorporate it into tasty, healthy meals.  It’s a good time to be starting such a project, in fact one of the recent posts says it a  “Great time to be a locavore!”  Check back from time to time to see how they are doing, especially after the first frost sets in.

It’s blogging gone wild. Fun. It also sounds kind of tricky, but I still wish they’d asked me.

Blog

Of Two Minds: China & the U.S.

Today’s post on the blog Of Two Minds, titled Olympic Ponderings, was about China and it was interesting and insightful.

“Anyone who watched the pageantry of the Olympic Game’s opening ceremony in Beijing knows it is unlikely to be topped in our lifetimes.

My wife offered this analogy: the previous Olympics were like county fairs, while Beijing was a full Hollywood production.

“As someone who began formally studying Chinese culture, history and philosophy in 1973 (i.e. beginning in university, including several graduate-level courses), I was struck by the depth of the opening ceremony’s many levels of representation and allusions.

“I was especially impressed with the lavish references to the Tang Dynasty and the voyages of Admiral Zheng He. As the NBC commentator pointed out, these two periods of Chinese history were marked by a remarkable openness to the world and a stupendous exchange of goods and ideas.”

 Charles Hugh Smith is very upbeat about America’s openness and ability to grow because of its openness and ability to welcome people. At the end of his post, he even uses the Big Island as a reference. Take a look.