Friday, July 8, 2016

Musings: No True Purpose

Friends of Mahaulepu (FOM) is ramping up the fear machine against Hawaii Dairy Farm as the deadline for commenting on the project's draft EIS nears.

Two new radio ads feature staged conversations between FOM board members Bridget Hammerquist and Eileen Kechloian, who level all sorts of false, frightening claims against the proposed dairy.

The first ad goes something like this: “How are things? Oh, they're not good, I'm really worried about Mahaulepu (mispronounced) Valley; all that manure, over 2 million pounds, going down that valley and into the ocean; they now admit they're going to pollute; oh, and the grass-fed, that's gone, too.”

Every single one of those claims is complete and utter bullshit.

The other ad continues the distortion: “I heard the cows are pregnant” – uh, duh, how else do you think think they're going to make milk? – “they only have five fulltime jobs here, but there are 2,618 jobs on the southshore, and that odor and biting flies is going to affect jobs terribly.”

Actually, if you read the draft EIS — as these two lying wahine claim they have — you'll find:

It is estimated that just 2 percent of the nitrogen and 1 percent of the phosphorus produced have the potential to runoff the farm — levels that will not adversely affect ocean water quality or the marine environment.

Air quality in the immediate vicinity of the dairy farm (within 1,700 feet) may, in the worst-case conditions, be affected with odors from the effluent pond and manure in the pasture paddocks. The odor extends to approximately 2,780-feet (about half a mile) for the 2,000-cow operation. However, the nearest homes, recreational areas and commercial centers are more than a mile away.

The DEIS also outlines measures that will be taken to prevent flies from becoming established at the dairy, and there's no indication they will travel a mile to the closest homes.

Whether one supports the dairy or not, I think most pono people would agree that it's wrong to deliberately frighten and deceive others to advance one's agenda. But that's the strategy embraced by FOM and other vociferous opponents of the dairy, including Councilman Gary Hooser, Surfrider and Hawaii SEED's Jeri DiPietro, all of whom used a similar approach to push the anti-GMO/anti-seed company agenda.

So is this the new normal in dealing with agricultural uses of ag land? Mobilize opposition through scare tactics? Stubbornly cling to false beliefs and claims, even when they've been proven false? Throw tons of shit against the wall and see what sticks?

FOM is also bringing in John A. Kilpatrick, who runs a real estate advising firm, to further scare folks with alarmist talk about how the dairy will trash their property values. And that leads us to the real crux of the issue.

Much of the money raised to fight the dairy has come from condo owners at Poipu Kai, which donated first $10,000 and then $40,000, and Jay Kechloian, a Seattle builder-developer who showed how sleazy he is by fighting design standards and an ordinance that prevented construction of two houses on substandard lots in that city.

Though this issue is typically framed as “protecting Mahaulepu,” it's really about protecting their own economic interests from a perceived threat. So do we let the self-interested few destroy a viable venture that can actually help create the local, diversified ag that so many of the dairy opponents are also screaming for?

While we're on the topic of false claims, folks are repeating the lie that Mark Zuckerberg' security guards are trying to keep people from using the public beach. No, they're just striving to control the daily influx of trespassers who want to get on the land and take pictures. The guards tolerate those who encroach hundreds of feet in from the beach. But once the curious start to breach the interior, they're told to return to the beach.

There never has been any public beach access through the land Zuckerberg bought, and he's under no requirement to provide it. Folks can still use the same legal public access ways that have always been available to reach Pilaa and Waipake beaches: Either rock hop from the Waiakalua or walk from Larsen's (Lepeuli).

The county could have had an access to Waipake through the Kahuaina part of the Zuckerberg land, back when it was owned by Falko Partners.  But Hooser and Councilman Mason Chock, egged on by a few disgruntled citizens, kept pushing for more

Meanwhile, the property was placed on the market. So when Zuckerberg bought the land and relinquished the entitlement for up to 76 CPR lots — there was never any permitting for affordable housing, as Allan Parachini mistakenly asserted — the access requirement was eliminated.

Don't blame Facebook boy. Blame the pandering politicians and misguided citizens who screwed up the chance for a public access there.

Speaking of pandering politicians, Sen. Bernie Sanders is desperately trying to retain some relevance in the wake of his failed presidential bid by opposing a bi-partisan GMO labeling bill that would actually affect more products that his home-state labeling law. 

Despite Bernie's best efforts, the Senate closed debate on the legislation and is expected to approve it soon. It would create a national system that gives food manufacturers these labeling options, which certainly seem sufficient:

Use a government-sanctioned US Department of Agriculture (USDA) symbol on packaging.
Print a label using plain language.
Print a QR code on food packaging that shoppers can scan.

But as the New York Times reported:

Proponents of labeling insisted that nothing short of text on packages would do.

How ironic that these who have clamored most loudly for labeling are now opposing it because it's not exactly what they want. 

They're all for transparency when it applies to someone else. But as I've drilled down in these anti-GMO groups, I've consistently found that they reveal very little about their own income, expenses and operations. To apply their argument about labeling, if they're proud of what they do, why won't they disclose?

Unless, of course, they have no true purpose aside from making trouble for others: 
See what I mean?

50 comments:

Anonymous said...

To be clear, the affordable housing requirement for the Bowman's subdivision was met with the donation of the land behind the Lihue fire department which was developed into affordable rentals (Rice Camp) with the use of tax credits. So the county actually collected their pound of flesh for this subdivision even though those entitlements were extinguished when Zukerberg purchased the property and cancelled it.

Anonymous said...


Thank you Joan, listening to Hammerquist on the radio makes my teeth hurt, and I never had a cavity. I would rather be locked in a room with Trump and Hillary for a day than listen to this self serving south shore kook ruin the speakers in my car for one minute. And that's my nice guy thought!

Anonymous said...

It was Hooser, Chock, Yukimura, and all the Nudists of North Shore. Awesome!

Anonymous said...

How could they support those hippies? These hippies are the worst kind of transplants? Spoiling these beautiful pristine beaches with their gross big dicks and saggy tits, disgusting. Yeah you Richard Spacer, cover that damn monster you hippie.

Anonymous said...

"How ironic that these who have clamored most loudly for labeling are now opposing it because it's not exactly what they want." So true!

Anonymous said...

Interesting, subtle and insidious use of the word "wahine" as a pejorative. A touch of internalized oppression, perhaps? (as opposed to the all-out misogyny levied against Nomi Carmona?) You can run but you can't hide from your sisters who see you for what you are.

Joan Conrow said...

Wahine as pejorative? That's your projection. My enmity toward Nomi has nothing to do with her gender and everything to do with her bullshit, which you/Nomi are perpetuating here.

Anonymous said...

Nice retort Joan! Although you really shouldn't be engaging in a battle of wits with an unarmed person, such as 11:55.

Manuahi said...

But Joan, what does it really matter that these self-centered twits lie? We're about to elect one of the biggest unrepentant liars POTUS. Lying is no longer bad as long as you get your way.

Allan Parachini said...

I guess I've been put in my place, but when that's from someone you respect, it's fine. I don't think I implied there was affordable housing in Zuckerberg's deal. I think I only suggested he could create some if he chose, which he obviously won't. As to beach access, I gather there is a dispute over whether Zuckerberg's land does or does not have an ancient easement. Even if it doesn't, the point remains that we need to work on fashioning easement requirements. Forcing one down Zuckerberg's throat would be litigated on the alleged grounds it would be a "taking." And he might or might not win. But again, there is nothing to prevent Zuckerberg from voluntarily creating a beach access easement that would be more user friendly than anything that exists in the Moloaa area.

Joan Conrow said...

Thanks, Allan, for letting me know I misinterpreted your comment about affordable housing. I don't think the ala loa has been alleged on the Kahuaina parcel, but rather the Hanright and Waoili land. I heartily agree that more needs to be done to secure coastal accesses. To make matters worse, the county has been sorely remiss both in failing to record and enforce dedicated easements.

Anonymous said...

Hi, the reason for the delay in accepting the Falco easement was due to the fact the Ala Loa does in fact cross over those lands and at the point it intersects with the trail that was being proposed, people were concerned the ancient trail was not being recognized. it is unfortunate the public access was not allowed to go through, and then those folks could have continued to work for establishment of the Ala Loa, but maybe Mr.Z would not have bought the piece. Sometimes you just don't really know who works for who. The coast was connected by the Ala Loa along that area.

Anonymous said...

Forget access. As long as the strange peevish people from the NS clamor before the Council nothing will be done. Get some Local fishermen to testify and they will listen.
Why Alan P, thinks that a rich guy should give money or housing is a fine Commie idea. But why should he? The Zuck's wall is being Facebooked to death because of a couple of Whiny NS crybabies. The GI interviews them, it gets world attention and now it looks like the Zuck is a bad guy. And the rest of the island could give 2 sh*ts about Zuck, Alan P or Nomi. They just want the roads fixed and some zoned land to build a house or 2.
Alan P, just when you are getting perceived as an OK guy, you push yourself a little too far. Slow down. You gotta name for yourself and maybe a Council seat is in your future, but tone down the rhetoric a little. The last thing you want is to be labeled, "just another loud mouth haole."
The votes for at least the next 2 elections are run by the local voters. In 2022 the scale will tilt and we will be run by a bunch of NS, rich, pot smoking douchbags that wouldn't know a Palaka shirt from Bridget Hammerquist's billowing panties.
All Zuck wants is to be is left alone. The other "natural" berm and vegetation barriers put up by the rest of the NS douchbags are far worse then Zucks li'l wall. Anyway. After the furor dies down, if Zuck has any sense he will wall off his 700 acres with bamboo, drucina (Song of India), palms and what not.
Leave the poor guy alone.
My understanding is the fictitious Ala Loa is supposed to run they the old Kirkwood (Falco) and Pfluegers land.
If you say it often enough, it will become true.
Sometimes Joan, you seem to be a bit cranky. I love it. There is nothing better than a pretty, smart and cranky lady, who also writes really good.

Anonymous said...

using the word "wahine" to describe someone can sometimes be seen as vulgar, disrespectful and mean spirited-----been here long enough to know the difference?!!! Be careful how you use the native language! or was it done purposely to degrade the person?

Joan Conrow said...

I've only heard wahine used to mean woman, with no negative or positive connotation. I used it because its three syllables made for a nicer lyrical flow. But always amusing to see how people like to ascribe their own ill intent to others and/or are just looking for something to bitch about because they're unable to address the topic at hand.

Anonymous said...

Nobody knows where the ala loa goes.

Anonymous said...

4:27- You are one of the douchbags..........wahine, never has a negative connotation as a stand alone word. Maybe obfuscated with an adjective or two. But then if you think females are " vulgar, disrespectful and mean spirited", welp that is a whole other story.
Wahine is a noun- it means woman, not "mean woman".
So say Tutu Kane.

Anonymous said...

An "ala loa" doesn't exist until someone proves that one existed in a specific site. No one has proved this at Lepeuli or Kaakaaniu to this date. Nevertheless, this failure hasn't stopped the paleface nudists and others from trespassing on private property and trashing it. Waioli provided access to the shoreline to the public in the late 70's (a road with parking (Larsen's Beach Road)and a trail to the shoreline. This is not good enough for these folks who arrogate others' property to their newly arrived selves. Here's the law on obtaining access on private property: "§115-2 Acquisition of lands for public rights-of-way and public transit corridors. When the provisions of section 46-6.5 are not applicable, the various counties shall purchase land for public rights-of-way to the shorelines, the sea, and inland recreational areas, and for public transit corridors where topography is such that safe transit does not exist. [L 1974, c 244, §2; am L 1977, c 164, §4]" Waioli has all ready met the conditions of 46-6.5 even though it did not subdivide except to deed the county a road (not an easement).
Go see Hooser, Yukimura and Chock and tell them to tax the shit out of you to expropriate the access where you want it. The statute says counties shall purchase not may purchase. And nobody has to give it to you because you have a big mouth and are a facebook lookie loo. Have at it or use the access already provided to you and hike a bit. The land is pretty pricey in that neighborhood- a few hundred acres would consume the annual county budget.

Anonymous said...

Why do you accuse these two women of lying, instead of being mistaken? Or was the word lying chosen because it's, well, more "lyrical"?

Joan Conrow said...

I didn't accuse Bridgett and Elaine of lying. I stated it as fact because they are spreading misinformation intentionally, not out of ignorance. Like Hooser and his anti-GMO campaign, they've been corrected too many times to be merely "mistaken."

Anonymous said...

The FOM have a few members that are sooo joj haole.

Anonymous said...

Has anyone noticed the thousands of cattle popping up all around the island. The demand for Kauai beef is real and does generate money. No fight against that, even if it's close to streams and houses. So what if a thousand more will produce milk or cheese, sour cream, butter and all that good stuff we love. Another Kauai branded export would be great...I think.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Has anyone noticed the thousands of cattle popping up all around the island. The demand for Kauai beef is real and does generate money. No fight against that, even if it's close to streams and houses. So what if a thousand more will produce milk or cheese, sour cream, butter and all that good stuff we love. Another Kauai branded export would be great...I think.

July 9, 2016 at 7:01 AM

A hundred years ago, maybe. But the hard truth is it gets shipped off island and comes back packaged as a twice or three times as expensive product. Not happening. Until we start opening up procesing plants here for our ag products and keep prices low instead of boutique pricing aimed at the rich true food sustainability for core foods such as milk,bread,eggs and fish and meat won't happen.

Robin said...

@10:05 am: You can buy Kauai beef every Wednesday at the Kukuiula Farmers Market. Processed on Kauai. Best beef I have ever had.

Anonymous said...

@4:27 pm

Wow your comment is out there. Obviously your 6 months or so here, has not educated you enough in the local Kanaka language.

kolohe wahine
sassy wahine
sexy wahine
punipuni wahine *

Anonymous said...

Maluhini(sp.) Wahine vs. Kamaaina Wahine. Money don't count on this matter. Joan should have used Maluhini wahine for the two in the commercial. Maluhini trying to act like they kamaaina. They should be lying on the beach instead of lying on the radio.

Anonymous said...

its malahini dumb ass stop it punipuni mean lie so much its double ok....everyone..back to Engelesia! Olelo to difficult lol. typical malahini come hea tink dey kno how for wala'au....embarrassing!

Anonymous said...

The correct spelling is malihini.

Anonymous said...

Local beef is available daily at Times, Sueoka, Ishihara, Sanchez Store, and directly from processors who can put you in touch with local rancher for a whole steer. We used to hui with our family and divide it up. Slaughterhouse will age and cut to your liking. You wrap, pack and freeze.It is much cheaper than store bought.

Anonymous said...

Nailed it again Joan! Mahalo!

Anonymous said...

@10:05 one thing for sure is there will never be dairy processing here if we don't at least put in a fricken dairy.

Anonymous said...

Always so much negativity. I have been guilty myself. Joan ever consider forgoing the anonymous conmenters so people including myself can not be so vitriolic? I'm only slightly so.

Anonymous said...

Makaweli Ranch is processing their own grass fed hormone free beef that is sold to Big Save and restaurants on Kauai. they also sell to chefs like Alan Wong on Oahu. Demand is higher than current supply due to the recent drought.

Anonymous said...

Kukuiula Store has local grass fed. Best there is.

Anonymous said...

Kukuiula beef isn't very good, it's ridiculously expensive, and they naturally attract the annoying Bridgit Hammerquist types.

The local places are way better and attract much less pretentiousness.

Anonymous said...

street burger serves fresh, local beef and fresh local lamb and it really makes a difference. so many places just serve those lousy costco patties. hello, I can make that at home!

Anonymous said...

@835 am Since when is the Kukuiula Store not a local place? It been there by owned and operated by the same local family for decades.

Anonymous said...

Everyone brings up Zuckerberg but not Carlos Andrade the original land owner who didn't give two fucks about public access.

Anonymous said...

Why isn't anyone talking about Tommy Oi running against James Tokioka? Who is this Tommy Oi fella?

Anonymous said...

You don't know tommy cause u are new to kaua'i....what, 6 month resident?

Anonymous said...

Did Tokioka have his final court hearing yet? He had pled guilty to intentionally filing a false campaign finance report and court said as long as he was a good boy and stayed out of trouble until August 2016, they would drop charges.

Anonymous said...

6:15. He ain't no career politician who works for oceanic cable whom he helped with bills thru the Legislature.

Anonymous said...

anyone who actually lives on Kauai and has been here longer than 20 minutes knows who Tommy Oi is already is why

Anonymous said...

Tommy Oi is the current Kauai appointment to the Land Board. He replaced Sam Lee as the State Land Agent, then retired and worked for Rep. Morikawa at the Legislature. He's a quiet man who works hard and knows a lot about land issues. He is also a licensed Surveyor.

Anonymous said...

There is this issue with the DLNR and Hawaiian Homes land. They want to shut down some hunting areas. As a Legislature, Tommy Oi would be able to handle this issue in the proper and most effective way for all parties. He is intelligent and he is not a bully.

Anonymous said...

Oh come on, Tommy is part of the problem, he is a bit lazy, quiet and should be retired.

Anonymous said...

Define "a bit lazy" for us. Most of us a bit lazy. Because sometimes I am a bit lazy when the wife tells me it is time to empty the trash.

Anonymous said...

Tommy is change Jimmy is same old shit I pick change you pick whatever the hell you like

Joan Conrow said...

Marjorie Ziegler has left a new comment on your post "Musings: No True Purpose":

I would support Oi over Tokioka if they were the only two choices, but I agree with 8:30 am above. Unless Oi was appointed in this year, he OHA's probably voted with the other members of the BLNR to renew hundreds of revocable permits annually and without question, contrary to the law governing the DLNR's revocable permit system, which is broken


(Sorry, Marjorie, I accidentally deleted your comment, so I'm re-posting.)

Unknown said...

Mahalo. Sorry about the typos. Don't know why OHA shows up - autocorrect?