Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Musings: Down on the Farm

Today is National Agriculture Day, and Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. has shown his commitment to farming by totally eliminating the agriculture specialist position in the Office of Economic Development.

It would've been hard to replace Bill Spitz, who retired after many years of superb service. But to completely eliminate the position? 

The mayor certainly can't claim financial cutbacks, considering how he gave defeated Councilman Jay Furfaro a $110,254-per-year job — correction: it's $96,000 — director of Boards and Commissions — a post any secretary could fill — so that he can retire at that pay, rather than the $63,879 he'd earned as council chair before he was rejected by the voters.

Who loves ya, baby?

America's love affair with chicken, especially white meat, is “already pushing the bounds of what's biologically possible—and perhaps what's humane," according to a piece in the Washington Post.

The average American eats about 80 pounds of chicken annually — more than four times what was consumed in the early 1900s, according to data from the USDA.

In response, birds are being bred bigger — the average weight is now nine pounds, compared to two — with massive breasts. In fact, America wants so much white meat that it must export all the leftover dark meat.

Dr. Michael Lilburn, a professor at Ohio State University's Poultry Research Center, notes:

"What people don't realize is that it's consumer demand that's forcing the industry to adjust. It's a deceivingly small but vocal minority that are raising a lot of legitimate questions. The bulk of the U.S. population still doesn't care where their food comes from, as long as its cheap."

But that doesn't stop some folks from having very definite — and often unrealistic — attitudes about food and the folks who produce it. As Maui farmer Darrell Tanaka recently noted on Facebook:

Today I saw a post "Pet Peeve Vent.... You can't call yourself a 'Farmers Market' if you are buying your produce from the mainland, taking it out of its big cardboard box, and reselling it. Why can't we have real Farmers Markets where I might actually see and talk to a real farmer?"

I couldn't help myself but to leave this response.

Let me tell you why.....farming is usually handed down from one generation to another, eventually a generation either is lost or chooses not to farm, it is not instilled in us by schooling...high costs of land is a major obstacle to any new farmer, which is also why farming (land) is handed down to the next generation in the family....county taxes, one small nail in the coffin at a time, for instance, when the county taxed the area of land a farmers house sits on, citing that its not being farmed so it shouldn't get the same kind of exemption....anti-gmo sentiment, despite not all gmos being bad.....anti-pesticide driven by fears and not science..........the problem is very convoluted, hard to fathom unless you are a farmer...we take dings from everywhere, not just those problems listed above...even the idea that all farms should be organic carries an implication that non-organic should be done away with...small negative attributes like that all puts weight on the farming industry as a whole...until one day, its gets too heavy for a particular farm, then it closes, but no one notices because it goes down quietly, only thing the public notices next time they drive by, is a grass lawn and fancy house, where used to be a field of lettuce and cabbage....

because the public is naive when it comes to understanding the challenges of farming, because all they want to believe is that farming is all hunky dory, because all they see is the finished product at the market, they never get to see or experience crop failures, they don't get to experience what it's like for a farmer to have to rely on his own produce to put food on his plate because his crops failed and he cannot afford groceries.....

half of the public on maui only cares about their own agenda, their own selfish wants and needs, so they put unrealistic ideals upon farmers, when most of them have not experienced anything I've written here......shame

So although I agree that a farmer's market should be food that was grown in Hawaii, or in this case, by the actual farmer that is selling the veges....you all just remember one thing...somewhere, somehow, that food you bought, came from a farm, it didn't magically appear in the cardboard box you all are shunning right now.....and speaking of "real farmers"....they don't have time to be at farmers markets, because generally speaking, farming is A LOT of work, even to take a half day to attend the swap meet is a huge stretch in effort...this is why it is convenient for a farmer to sell wholesale to someone else who will peddle his produce, because he doesn't have the time to do it himself....

so go ahead.....make it so that anyone who sells produce at a market has to grow it themselves...yeah, do that....just remember, you will be adding yet another nail to the coffin of a farmer because of your own selfish ideals."

Now that's something to chew on...

And finally, the Senate Committee on Water and Land has issued a scathing — and justified — rejection of Carleton Ching, a development-friendly Castle and Cooke executive who was nominated by Gov. Ige to lead the Department of Land and Natural Resources. 

The panel noted that it “received testimony overwhelmingly in opposition to the nomination. Organizations and individuals submitting written testimony in opposition numbered approximately 1,120, and in addition there was a petition with over 7,596 signatures opposing the nominee. Those submitting written testimony in support of the nominee numbered approximately 272 organizations and individuals.”

But more importantly, the panel found:

[T]he nominee did not bring forward a clear understanding of the DLNRIs core values, or provide any vision for how he would approach the challenges of resource management. Neither was there any sign that he understood the administrative and regulatory processes the Chairperson is responsible for overseeing, which are the vehicles by which the DLNR ensures that the State meets its various public trust responsibilities.

Your Committee then presented specific hypotheticals to the nominee in order to determine what factors he would use to make policy, regulatory, and administrative decisions that the Chairperson is charged with. Most of the nominee's responses reflected the perspective of a career spent advocating on behalf of private developers of land, and not of a person who understands or fully appreciates the stewardship of public trust responsibilities.

Several times during the hearing, the nominee referred to land as “dirt” and the need to preserve Hawaii's “brand.” [I]t is revealing that the nominee repeatedly used them during his nomination hearing, when one would expect a nominee to this position to express the need to malama 'aina and affirm a commitment to the native Hawaiian culture.

As any farmer will tell you, land ain't dirt, it's soil. Still, in a state where agriculture is under full-fledged attack, and the Hawaiian culture has been relegated to a brand used to promote the ever-escalating tourism industry, is Ching's terminology any real surprise?

The full Senate is set to vote on the nomination today and those who oppose Ching have been directed to gather at the Capitol — and wear red, like all the good sheeple. What's up with that? In Hawaii, red is apparently the new green/blue.

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

no offense joan, but not "any secretary" can fill the job of the boards and commissions administrator. paula was great at what she did. if you watched her at council meetings she knew everything that was going on in every board/commission and knew the charter better than ANYONE else. plus she was a respectful public speaker. not only that, but she has years of management experience and experience at the leg. she should run for council!

Anonymous said...

Will Jay run the boards and commissions meetings like he ran the council meetings?

Joan Conrow said...

I have no quarrel with Paula Morikami's exemplary fulfillment of her duties, for which she was perhaps overqualified. But Jay is not Paula, and that position is overpaid at $110,254.

Anonymous said...

^^^ yes, very true joan, definitely over qualified, and $110k is over paid. thats like a deputy pay..didn't paula get paid less too? *sting! no wonder she retiring now.

regards,
8:29am

Anonymous said...

110k is too much, and giving it to Jay, so he can run the gig for three years and add a couple thousand dollars each month to his retirement check (on us) for the rest of his life is a big disservice to the taxpayer.

The chicken "farming" industry is gross. It is cruel and it does to millions of birds what would be a felony if a kid on Kauai did the same to one bird. I would agree that the uneducated consumer who wants "cheap" is at the center of the problem.
Although at some quantum level, I suspect eating cheap, tortured birds has a karmic backlash in this life or the next. On the other hand, I hear the ISIS fighter burger tastes like chicken. As we kill these crazies that believe religion trumps law, maybe we can butcher them and sell them as cage free beef at WalMart or even farmer's markets.

Anonymous said...

Carleton Ching was a bad choice by the governor and if he's confirmed it will demonstrate the influence that developers continue to have in our government.

Anonymous said...

When the Jay job came down, Paula was initially moved into the Mayors office and promised a position as another highly paid mayoral "assistant" using Beth's old position which had been re-tooled. When the word got out, several "people" objected. At that point, Paula decided to retire rather than subject herself and the mayor to scrutiny.

Paula was an extremely competent leader. She was also one of the last women that led a department in this administration. It is sad that of all the positions Jay could have been slid into, that this was the one that was chosen. I suppose Jay could care less. He got his. And now the administration has one less competent leader in its mix. Sad.

Anonymous said...

Heard new Finance Director used to work for Jay, not too sure if it is true or not? Have a nice retirement Paula.

Anonymous said...

Ms. Morikami is an excellent leader, and the epitome of what a County Administrator should be. Her staff members are also extremely competent, capable, and efficient, which I believe is a direct reflection of Ms. Morikami's leadership. She will be greatly missed. I wish her well, and hopes she enjoys her well-deserved retirement.

Anonymous said...

Jay is a good man, but his appointment to Boards/Commissions is cronyism. But, that doesn't matter, the people will pay...property taxes, auto fees, trash etc...the fees and taxes will continue to grow.
It is flat out embarraskin watching the Council. JoAnn quibbles on the new Dump, as her namesake "Mt Yukimura" is reaching Everest heights.
The hatred JoAnn and Gary have against Grove Farm should make their 2 votes disqualified. Predetermined and vile thinking by these 2 Fistifiers.
As many have said, as Wallmart goes, so goes the country. Wallmart reflects actual buying patterns of the public. As the sales of "organic" milk and produce change so does the complexion of available food.
A Kauai Farmer, on his land worth 1 to 20 million and producing negligible amounts of foodstock, is a joke. It don't capitalize and is a for the most part "a feel good or social guilt alleviater for the wealthy".
Most of Kauai's smaller generationally held Ag lands are in cattle. They will all be sold as homesites as the County Council continues to make housing more expensive. As in, do I sweat my f*ckin' heart for a few cows and trees or do I get a few million dollahs?.
Easy.
The real question in all Kauai Ag are the big land owners. GF, A&B and G&R, the County treats them like pariah, the Fistees have no idea that Coffee prices, corn etc can extinguish a crop, pronto. Forget about water, labor and weather....all farming is tough.
But rest assured, the best land for housing is Bette Mitler's, her 1300 hunnerd acres surrounding Waipouli/Kapaa is perfect for housing. But them thar cattle on her land are happy that Ms Mitler is a agin housing and development.
She is a great Fistee.
Remember, JoAnn Yukimura is the single most responsible person on Kauai for high priced housing. Her attitude and policies set back in the 90s has carried on today. Thanks JoAnn, I love paying $2300 per month in rent, that is bound to go higher as y'all raise taxes on rentals....your tax (along with Bynum and Gary) raised the average rental property taxes a thousands per year, an average of one hundred to three hundred PER MONTH for the regular working guy renter.
Maybe, Jay can give me a loan. BTW, the Boards/Commission can make all the recommendations they want...they ain't got any, NONE power. A lot of work, blood, sweat and tears by good Commissioners....and it means nothing. Pure smog and mirrors. If the Planning Commission denied the Coco Palms real estate scam, the Council would have over rode them...a sorry state a something stinking in Denmark.

Anonymous said...

OED Director George Costa is supposed to take up some of the agricultural projects but he is a poor replacement for Bill. In fact, he is a poor leader, period, if he didn't fight to keep the position. History will show that Mayor Bernard's administration was lethargic and accomplished little of substance.

Anonymous said...

Gov withdrew Ching's nomination. Good decision.

Anonymous said...

I don't have any problems with real Kauai farmers selling wholesale to vendors that re-sell at the farmer's market. We still get great deals. However, some of the vendors are buying from Costco (like Pineapples) and selling those at the market. Costco sells pineapples for about $4 each and the vendors sell them at the farmer's markets to the tourists for $8-10 each. This practice should be stopped by the County.

Joan Conrow said...

Correction: Jay's salary will be $96,000, not the $110,254 I reported.

Anonymous said...

Paula Morikami was forced to retire for Jay to take over. Remember, it's family and friends for Bernard. The new Finance Director used to work for Jay at Princeville Corporation. Not sure if he was an accountant or bookeeper before he became a budget analyst. Glen Sato of OED also retired. It is sad to see qualified and competent county workers (forced) to retire in droves in favor of family and friends.

Anonymous said...

Paula Morikami was forced to retire for Jay to take over. Remember, it's family and friends for Bernard. The new Finance Director used to work for Jay at Princeville Corporation. Not sure if he was an accountant or bookeeper before he became a budget analyst. Glen Sato of OED also retired. It is sad to see qualified and competent county workers (forced) to retire in droves in favor of family and friends.

Anonymous said...

Check out the recent Barrons insert that describes Hanalei area as the most desirable and affordable location for a second home as an investment. Michael Schmidt featured as is the Brescia House in Waineha.

Anonymous said...

Oh bring me back, Mayor Kusaka.
She did the Bike Path, lowered government spending, made the County workers treat the public as "customers" and with respect, had great citizen participation in Boards and services.
She may have driven a special car, but no cronyism.
Bernard would be OK if he didn't spend so much money and kept the payroll down. Otherwise he is harmless. He respects the people and does not have crazy social change ideas.
Just imagine if Gary, Mason or JoAnn were Mayor. Nothing but the Bus, Ag would be gone, building would be further restricted, PMRF would be on notice, taxes would be thru the roof and there would only be a bunch of new comer, earth friendly rich newcomers in ALL a County appointed jobs. And a GET increase for any "du jour" feel good bill. The County would be broker and the locals would need a special permit to get into any County office, especially if you were a fisherman, hunter, gun owner, had a big truck, worked in Hotels, had a barking dog, worked PMRF or Ag. If you had a Fireplace, you would be in jail.

Anonymous said...

I hope everyone who opposed Ching can come up with some useful ideas as to who WOULD be a good candidate. You can't please everyone with nominations. Even those against him weren't critical of his character and it will be tough to find someone as smart and capable as he was and willing to serve in his position. Makaala and the Sierra Club: any idea's?

Anonymous said...

Was the position for the head of Boards and Commissions advertised (which Jay now has and Paula formerly had)? Was the Mayoral Assistant position advertised (which Beth had and which one comment stated Paula was going to assume)?

Anonymous said...

@ 12:35 pm. Both of those positions are Mayoral Appointed, meaning it does not have to be advertised or go through any of the usual job posting procedures. The Mayor can select whoever he want for those positions.

Anonymous said...

12:35pm, appointed positions do not need to be advertised, only civil service positions. please correct me if I'm wrong. civil service are covered by union which is why slackers are harder to fire, but appointed can be let go for any reason and does not have backing of the union.

Anonymous said...

That's $1,200 less a month, he's gonna go hungry. But No worries, next budget he'll get a pay raise.

A gooo gooo gooo Roscoe Picoe!!!!

Uncle Jesse: What do you get when you cross a donkey with an onion?
Luke Duke: What?
Uncle Jesse: A piece of ass that brings a tear to your eye.


Anonymous said...

12:35pm - you were correct. No way these mayor appointees could qualify if they have to go through civil service procedures. This mayor has the penchant to hire anyone who was in his campaign, family and friends. Just look at the
husband and wife who head two powerful departments. These two are the real brains behind the mayor since Beth already left. Good luck to us all taxpayers. We are in for another miserable, morally and fiscally bankcrupt government. Ouch, ouch!!!!