The Problem
Hawai‘i is a relatively small state, but has one of the highest rates of open-air genetically engineered (GE) field tests in the U.S. - in 2014, chemical companies conducted GE field tests on over 1,141 sites (select sites & location for 2014). Herbicide resistance has been the most frequently tested trait over the past five years. This means GE crops tested in Hawai‘i, by and large, are designed to withstand ever greater applications of herbicides, posing a direct threat to human and environmental health. Pesticide drift is a primary concern for communities living alongside GE operations. Pesticides used in Hawai‘i pose a to public health, especially the risk to pregnant women and young children.
The Solution
1. Support Businesses with Values that Align with Your Values
The Eat Well Guide is a curated directory of over 25,000 hand-picked restaurants, farms, markets and other sources of local, sustainable food throughout the US.
Local Harvest connects people looking for good food with the farmers who produce it.
Green People helps you find local health food stores, organic food, green products, solar power supplies, green landscaping, organic baby products, doulas, natural pet care, natural beauty products, health and wellness services, green lifestyle products.
Center for Food Safety has a shoppers guide for avoiding GE foods.
2. Register to Vote
Registering to vote is now easier than it has ever been! You can register to vote online and check out the State of Hawai‘i Office of Elections for more information on election resources, frequently asked questions, election days and much more!
3. Support Regulation of Pesticides in Hawai‘i
Sign the petition to support pesticide buffer zones and disclosure in Hawai‘i
Support the Buffer Zones Campaign and stand in solidarity with members across Hawai‘i to #ProtectOurKeiki.
Grow the Buffer Zone Campaign with a Donation!
Resources
Check out the new Hawai‘i Center for Food Safety report Pesticides in Paradise: Hawai‘i’s Health and Environment at Risk, available for FREE! As well as the online digital library of over 150 published scientific and medical research examining the human health and environmental threats of pesticides used in the report.
Join the HCFS True Food Network! By signing up, you will receive action alerts and updates on important food safety and environmental issues, and simple things you can do to make a difference. We’re over 650,000 members strong and counting!
Hawai‘i SEED is a nonprofit organization and coalition of grassroots groups, farmers activists and community from five islands working to educate the public about the risks posed by genetically engineered organisms and to promote diverse, local, healthy and ecological food and farming. They support sustainable agriculture and GMO labeling legislation, create educational and awareness-raising initiatives such as our book Facing Hawai‘i’s Future and local seed exchanges, and help to create a robust network of information-sharing and action across Hawai‘i around this issue.
Hawai‘i Farmers Union United (HFUU) represents and advocates for family farmers and ranchers on all of the Hawaiian Islands promoting increase local food production and safety. They assert that a multitude of small diversified family farms implementing regenerative techniques in growing and raising food will create a resilient, vital and productive agricultural system to better feed Hawai‘i’s people.