Friday, June 10, 2016

Musings: Pirates, Posers and Protectors

If you ask kanaka, “What's the most pressing issue facing you and the Islands right now?” I'm pretty sure — like 99.9% certain — the answer won't be seed crop pesticides.

But hey, if you use enough Hawaiian words, cop a line from a David Malo chant, plan a poi-pounding event at Iolani Palace and call the participants “Aina Protectors,” you can speak for kanaka — and everybody else. Right?

So believe the usual cast of motley characters — led by the oh-so-indigenous luxury Realtor-founded Maui SHAKA group and D.C.-based Center for Food Safety — that are hosting the “E hui ana na moku: 'Aina Protectors United” march and rally on Sunday:

We hope through this event to continue to build relationships and express alliances regarding issues that are impacting the management and use of land and natural resources in Hawai'i. At the forefront of these issues is the regulation of pesticide use on our agricultural lands and the impact on our rural communities, as we prepare for a series of upcoming, history making court proceedings.

The purpose of the march-rally is simple: Try and influence the federal judges who will be hearing the appeal of rulings that overturned anti-GMO bills on Kauai, Maui and Big Island.
Here's the antis' take on the events leading to the march, and from there, Wednesday's court hearing:

In 2014, the islands of Hawai'i, Kaua'i and Maui County all separately passed local bills to regulate the pesticide heavy agricultural practices of the chemical company owned GMO seed industry. The industry fought back and Federal Judges attempted to invalidate each county's will to govern their own agricultural practices, leading to continued harm occurring on all of the islands of Hawai'i.

First, the judges didn't “attempt to invalidate,” they did. All three ordinances were thrown out of court on the basis of pre-emption: the state has authority over such issues, not the counties. And as even the anti-stacked Joint Fact Finding group recently found, there is zero indication of harm from these practices, even on “ground zero” Kauai.

The anti-GMO spinmiesters continue:

Corporate power and influence has negated the most fundamental of our democratic rights, as well as the unique principals [sic] of the Hawai'i state constitution. The 5 separate appeals are being heard together in Honolulu, on Wednesday June 15th, and the rulings on these cases will have significant impact not only on our own food sovereignty, but also on similar legislation that has been passed across the continent.

Ah, yes, another reminder that Hawaii is but a pawn in a national political movement. Oh, and just to correct their “facts,” not that such things matter to them, the bills were overturned precisely because of the state constitution. Furthermore, they have no affect on local food sovereignty, which could be advanced by the antis actually getting their asses onto the aina, rather than Honolulu pavement. The antis also can't seem to grasp that they have no democratic right to pass illegal bills. 

And do they really believe that “corporate power” influenced these judicial decisions?

Apparently, because now they're thinking that if the get enough people in the street — the sheeple are all directed to wear red, in keeping with the lockstep mentality of the anti-GMO movement — they can influence the intermediate court decision.

The Shaksters have tried hard to give their event relevance:

The assaults on our land and natural resources are happening at an unprecedented rate, therefore we need to ORGANIZE in unprecedented fashion and raise a collective voice that can no longer be ignored.

Unprecedented? Really? Come on, get real. Here's a tip, guys: So long as you put posers at the front of your movement, so long as you fail to act in the transparent manner you demand of others, so long as you keep lying, and flat-out making stuff up, your voice, collective or singular, is easy to ignore.

Even among your own devotees.

Because the allure of free tee-shirts — promised to the first 500 “aina protectors” — free food — "locally sourced," of course — free admission to the palace — it's "Kamaaina Sunday" so you can use their lua — and free parking downtown apparently isn't enough to draw crowds. Numbers on the event's Facebook page paint a dismal picture: Invited 1.9K; Interested 310; Going 187.

Spend $200 on airfare to get a free tee-shirt! What a deal!
Shoots, you'd think they'd be flocking, given all them freebies and a speaker line up that includes such stellar thinkers as Dustin Barca, Klayton Kubo and Walter Ritte. “Plus more,” the Facebook page promises, though it's hard to see how it can get any better than that.

The lead up to the court hearing also includes a Monday night Honolulu screening of the propaganda films “Aina,” featuring JFF group member Kawika Winter (but no, that panel wasn't biased), and “Circle of Poison,” with an ever-so-enlightening discussion led by truth-challenged anti-GMO crusaders Ashley Lukens and Hector Valenzuela.

Well, at least one critical-thinker is calling bullshit:

[The chant] E Hui Na Moku is not about GMO farming. The Shaka Movement supports Aloha Aina? Sounds like they are using Hawaiians for their agenda. A Free Hawaii? Sounds like they are just using our words. I don't like being used. I have never heard of SHAKA supporting Hawaiian Independence‬.

Aw, come on. Don't quibble over reality. It's all about pretending to belong, doncha see?  I mean, what else can explain a cringe-worthy exhortation like this?

Cinch up your malo and make sure get threads on your marching slippahz!!

Puke.

50 comments:

Anonymous said...

Things haven't been going very well in anti-land. Looks like they're getting desperate and spinning out of control.

Anonymous said...

or in far less eloquent but succinct words BULLSHIT. It is rude they try pretend to care about Aloha Aina.

Anonymous said...

This blogger's toxic sense of superiority provides the same entertainment value as watching Donald Trump.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Ms Joan. When one disentangles the mystery of where the Anti-Ag Anti-Local beginnings and momentum are, it always comes down to rich Mainlanders, who instinctively act as lords and masters of the islands that are now their new home.
Same same, Maui, Kauai and Big Island, every meeting is dominated by know-it-all new comers. Oh the poor locals, they do need leadership and direction. Poor things.

On another note.
A lady who passed recently and went to her celestial home in the skies should be mentioned. Her creation has world-wide fame, is part of every lunch bar menu and is delicious. It is even eaten in secretive glee by many vegetarians.
This variation of musubi is part of Hawaii. It is joked about, abhorred,loved and necessary for all lunch menus. A lady who made a real difference. .
A vital contributor to what we are in Hawaii. Her legacy will live on in these hand-held delights forever. Thank you Barbara-
Spam Musubi
Barbara F. Funamura of Koloa passed away at the age of 78 on May 12, 2016 at home. She was born in Lihue on April 1938 and was a nutritionists and entrepreneur as well as the originator of the “SPAM MUSUBI.”

Anonymous said...

The blatant use of Hawaiian culture by NON HAWAIIANS is so sickening. PUKE!
And when is Klayton Kubo coming to terms that there's no poisons and he's pushing his point too far. The court case was lost get over it.

Walter Ritte too what gives dude? You even work? You seem to have all this extra time and money to fly and be at meetings.

Anonymous said...

Why is it Gary Hooser is this "aina warrior" when he's only one lifetime politician? And Dustin Barca is one haole. Who he kidding.

Anonymous said...

The anti everything are so desperately trying to pass themselves off as Kanaka. Using the Kanaka's clout worked before but it likely won't be as easy today. If they were talking housing and employment maybe. This is the 21st century. But hey desperate times call for desperate measures.

Anonymous said...

To 8:43:
Mahalo for the news of Barbara's passing.

Anonymous said...

Uh, I thought there were three cases on appeal (not five). And the Kauai and Big Island laws were passed in 2013, not 2014. Can't even get the basic facts right and they want us to trust them to lead us to the promised land?

Anonymous said...

The Anti's are doing this fun-and-excitement-promised rally because there aren't any Trump rally's happening here. WTF?? We can't attack Trump because the State is 99.9% Democratic. So what do we do? Hmmm.... Gotta get the fun out, somehow? Yes! Let's all have fun marching for....what was it now? Oh ya? Food security...no, not that because we're trying to drive out real farms that are the only hope of locally sourcing food for any material number of people because we'd rather protest than actually work (sweat!!) on organic farm. Ah, shoots! Let's just have an organic love fest with someone providing banners, t-shirts, organic food and drink, and Ashley Lukens in a bikini jumping around like an uku!!! Yahoo!!

Anonymous said...

OH SNAP!!!!!!!!!!
There are going to be a lot of unclaimed shirts after this event, but what do they care? I'm sure the $$$$$ came from Hawaii Life Realty or Lhooser's H.A.P.A. or wherever else they wont tell us it's coming from. Demand transparency, but don't provide it yourselves you WANNA BE KANAKA.

Anonymous said...

Assholes. The Hawaii Constitution also gives us the right to carry a firearm and defend our homes with a gun. Pennies to dollars not one of the people believe that is legit. Same bet for private property, businesses, speech etc.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...

OH SNAP!!!!!!!!!!
There are going to be a lot of unclaimed shirts after this event, but what do they care? I'm sure the $$$$$ came from Hawaii Life Realty or Lhooser's H.A.P.A. or wherever else they wont tell us it's coming from. Demand transparency, but don't provide it yourselves you WANNA BE KANAKA.

June 10, 2016 at 3:02 PM


Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you Ms Joan. When one disentangles the mystery of where the Anti-Ag Anti-Local beginnings and momentum are, it always comes down to rich Mainlanders, who instinctively act as lords and masters of the islands that are now their new home.
Same same, Maui, Kauai and Big Island, every meeting is dominated by know-it-all new comers. Oh the poor locals, they do need leadership and direction. Poor things.

Anonymous Anonymous said...

The anti everything are so desperately trying to pass themselves off as Kanaka. Using the Kanaka's clout worked before but it likely won't be as easy today. If they were talking housing and employment maybe. This is the 21st century. But hey desperate times call for desperate measures.

June 10, 2016 at 9:53 AM

Yup. Just like posters here trying to throw it out like you all baller Kauai lifers. No real Kanaka would ever diss Uncle Walt as he is one hero for being one of the Kahoolawe 3 and has been A Pure Hawaiian activist since his twenties. I notice a lot of the criticisms on this blog are against Hawaiians and locals who are born and raised on Kauai or have been here since childhood.

Its obvious most of you are not. So posers should really look in the mirror ya?

Anonymous said...


I guess 8:18s crowning achievement was were his/hers place of birth was? That's a low bar for entitlement. Especially in a country were being born equal is a keystone.

"500 lbs of organic kalo to pound and eat"says the flyer. I'm sure all of it will be pounded and enjoyed by all! I hope someone posts a video of how much gets thrown away. That would go viral in no time!

Anonymous said...

No one is dissing Walter, just questioning his choices. He is surely famous from his early days of protest. So were the Helms and they are not standing by Walter now either. What would George say?

Anonymous said...

Joan- I'm not really against agriculture. I just want to tell the Ag folks what, when and where to grow or have a dairy.

Anonymous said...

7:21 - You forgot HOW! :D

Anonymous said...

7:06 AM --- Wait, what?

I'm dissing Walter. He's everywhere- at public meetings and community rabble-rousimg events, won't disclose who's funding him, and lies lies lies.

Many of his Molokai neighors do not respect him either.

Anonymous said...

When he last ran for an OHA seat, Ritte didn't even carry Molokai. Not many people recall those times long gone, and he no longer lives the legend anyway.

Anonymous said...


This event isnt until tomorrow. Plenty of time for intrepid young truth seekers to get themselves to Oahu and go undercover ,hidden cameras ,old school 60 minutes ????

That's what I would do if I was the above!!!!! Find out for yourselves and report honestly.

Dear anti's, take a good look around your Aina protectors and ponder which ones would for whatever reason, be an easy traitor to your cause. And streameverything??? And that ain't even the FBI/IRS taking a good look see at ya!!!!!! Snort.

I'm sure the judges will be impressed with your five hundred pounds of "kalo pounding"!!!!???? Good luck sleep tight.

Anonymous said...

Lets try this then. Instead of piling on Unco on this blog why don't you face the pure Hawaiian elderly kupuna soft spoken gentle man personally with your opinions? I don't trust people who diss important kupuna. I think that all of you could never face him. You would feel ashamed. Why do you all consistently trash Hawaiians and locals? Are you all white racist from mainland? Come on babooze grow up.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...


I guess 8:18s crowning achievement was were his/hers place of birth was? That's a low bar for entitlement. Especially in a country were being born equal is a keystone.

"500 lbs of organic kalo to pound and eat"says the flyer. I'm sure all of it will be pounded and enjoyed by all! I hope someone posts a video of how much gets thrown away. That would go viral in no time!

June 11, 2016 at 5:20 AM

Spoke like American racist jealous white priveleged male Trumpster. Is your last name Dole? Auwe and shame.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...

The blatant use of Hawaiian culture by NON HAWAIIANS is so sickening. PUKE!
And when is Klayton Kubo coming to terms that there's no poisons and he's pushing his point too far. The court case was lost get over it.

Walter Ritte too what gives dude? You even work? You seem to have all this extra time and money to fly and be at meetings.

June 10, 2016 at 9:05 AM

Where to begin? Walter is real koko Hawaiian. Barca is hapa and born and raised on Kauai. Hoosers parents lived on Oahu and he worked in Hawaii continuously since he was 17. Joanne is born and raised Kauai. Her father won presidential medal of honor aWW2 vet, Mason Chock is born and raised part Hawaiian. Who are the fake and wannabe? I think its you, pal!

Anonymous said...

Nobody is constantly dissing locals and kanaka in this blog. Get over it.

Anonymous said...

OMG! do not make me list the dissed! You get over...the fact that I am correct! You really wanna go there?

Anonymous said...

Walter Ritte too what gives dude? You even work? You seem to have all this extra time and money to fly and be at meetings.

June 10, 2016 at 9:05 AM

Walter is in his 70s and retired dodo. Geta grip!

Anonymous said...


Where to begin? Walter is real koko Hawaiian. Barca is hapa and born and raised on Kauai. Hoosers parents lived on Oahu and he worked in Hawaii continuously since he was 17. Joanne is born and raised Kauai. Her father won presidential medal of honor aWW2 vet, Mason Chock is born and raised part Hawaiian. Who are the fake and wannabe? I think its you, pal!

June 11, 2016 at 3:38 PM
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Nobody is constantly dissing locals and kanaka in this blog. Get over it.

June 11, 2016 at 5:11 PM

Are you implying these people are not local and kanaka? They are dissed here regularly

Anonymous said...

Interesting. The tilt to what is a local or whatever.
Fact. Everyone got along almost in the old days. The ILWU and union pushed changes in Ag and in the Territory. From the Chinese, Japanese, Puerto Ricans, Portuguese, Spanish, Filipinos..everyone was here and fought for better lives. Change occurred. A happy place.
Now we have Hooser, Chock and JoAnn fighting for what a bunch of rich retirees feel is best for the island. Long lost are the struggles, ideals sense of "place" that was Kauai. We had a sense of place. We were together as Kauai.
Most kids are Hapa. Race shouldn't be part of the discussion.....what should be, is that bunch of f*ckin' self entitled, retirees, trust-funders or others pushing their agenda because of their own peelings.
The economy and heritage will suffer if we allow Da Hoos, JoAnn Mason etc. to take land rights away, Kauai is lost. These three are somehow caught in a mainland inspired reality. They have lost the smell of the island,they have lost the heart.
We have real issues. Housing for the kids (JoAnn is the number one reason there is no reasonable priced housing), Economic diversity, freedom to use your hale as you like.
For F*ck Sakes, Batman....how can a community of hard working people, trying to make a good life for themselves be subverted into the Fistee madness. We should tell the Fistees to stuff the Fistee.
Mason seems like a good guy, not too smart, but he should get off of the fads and Goat Cheese mentality and look at the kids and how he can make changes so they can get one house. Look at the people Mason, the regular people.
Roads, Housing, education and freedom. And Mel and his three blow-pals don't do shit neither. Kauai's new vision as actuated by the Council and Mayor is " We do Nothing, we have no vision, we have no ideas for the future'...for crying out loud..as the Mayor proclaims "My Administration's greatest accomplishment is making 9 bus-stops in 2015" Out of an actual budget of 200 million, 65,000 people, 1.2 million tourists...an island that evokes dreams in everyone, an island known all around the world...reduced to Apparatchiks that are happy to proclaim that building 9 bus stops is an achievement. 9 bus stops that 3 Rotary Clubs could do in a weekend.
JoAnn has won. We gots no houses, but we gots a few bus stops.
Poke my eye out with Tim Bynum's tantrum throwing pencil, the world is lost. But the music of the island and the rhythm should live on.

Anonymous said...

retired ? Walter never did work

Anonymous said...

5:18 If you making a list better put all the haoles that get dissed.

Anonymous said...

"I don't trust people who diss important kupuna."

I don't trust people who think Walter is important.

Anonymous said...

Hooser is as much local as Barca is kanaka.

Anonymous said...


3:26 , why are you flipping what I said?

I'm a raceist because you feel entitlement and don't like Caucasian people? I'm like Dole? Or any of the missionary crew? -- that's priceless.

Reread what I said and I think you will understand my disgust for racism. And I was talking about you and your racism . ....

You know what???????? I bet you are a white person from far away that is playing the ole double back get em fighting angle. In REAL LIFE-- we actually do show respect for each other on this island So,,, I think your a pathetic white person making trouble.

As far as privlage goes???? I guess all the enlisted miles I humped for uncle SAMs Army was cause they loved me so much ?

When's the last time you rucked up m moved out, kicked ass and took names? Or at least made sure your frie

Yea your flipping what I said scroat.


Anonymous said...


Thanks 6:30 for bringing us all back to the reality of what we are irritated about.

Anonymous said...

You and many others, 6:49 PM.

Anonymous said...

I gotta say it twice 6:30 pm,

Your post should be on the cover of the Rolling Stone! Back when their was one. Or at least at the base of Kauai's Mt.Rushmore.----
---Like your style 18:30!

Anonymous said...


Kahoolawe served an importaint role as target practice back in the day(protecting us) Obviously, training does not need to be conducted there anymore.

Do I think it's a sacred place that was forever desecrated? Nope I do not.

If we all are pointing fingers at each others great great ancestors and how we can shape it into "keepin the hate" flowing, well I guess we are a bunch of idiots . Do people understand history anymore? OR how NOT to repeat it.

Ritte is an old fashion charlatan , bringing fame to himself while creating an escalation of divisions!! That is a poor example of understanding history ,while playing the great wise native roll..That commenters here can claim him like some cult like prophet is not only spooky. But highlights an embarrassing ignorance.

Anonymous said...

It is reverse racism, where a white person feels good about themselves if they get to touch a Hawaiian.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...


3:26 , why are you flipping what I said?

I'm a raceist because you feel entitlement and don't like Caucasian people? I'm like Dole? Or any of the missionary crew? -- that's priceless.

Reread what I said and I think you will understand my disgust for racism. And I was talking about you and your racism . ....

You know what???????? I bet you are a white person from far away that is playing the ole double back get em fighting angle. In REAL LIFE-- we actually do show respect for each other on this island So,,, I think your a pathetic white person making trouble.

As far as privlage goes???? I guess all the enlisted miles I humped for uncle SAMs Army was cause they loved me so much ?

When's the last time you rucked up m moved out, kicked ass and took names? Or at least made sure your frie

Yea your flipping what I said scroat.


Wrong Kauai raised. Your assuming I am a white male. Wrong. Lots of people have done military service. I think I struck a nerve.


Anonymous Anonymous said...


Kahoolawe served an importaint role as target practice back in the day(protecting us) Obviously, training does not need to be conducted there anymore.

Do I think it's a sacred place that was forever desecrated? Nope I do not.

If we all are pointing fingers at each others great great ancestors and how we can shape it into "keepin the hate" flowing, well I guess we are a bunch of idiots . Do people understand history anymore? OR how NOT to repeat it.

Ritte is an old fashion charlatan , bringing fame to himself while creating an escalation of divisions!! That is a poor example of understanding history ,while playing the great wise native roll..That commenters here can claim him like some cult like prophet is not only spooky. But highlights an embarrassing ignorance.

June 12, 2016 at 1:17 AM

Wrong. You obviously were not here at the time when plantations were evicting people,and Makua'ole (Sand Island) a fishing village was set on fire and mass evictions in Chinatown. Kahoolawe was a hard victory for Hawaiians who stopped it. I was there at the Rotunda. I lived it. You know nothing about it. I have been there.And i can pretty much guarantee you do.t know Walter. In fact I doubt you know anything about Hawaii except what you read from books.
The only embarrassing ignorant is you.

Anonymous said...


Right on 9:12 I guess I struck a nerve with you?

Yes ! My whiite self thought you were a white person trying to devolve the argument by race baiting.

No local grown ups that I know are as ignorant and raceist as you seem to be.

So I guess your a "been their at the Rotunda" makes you a brave warrior that would take my FLAG? As much as you wish and pretend, it will NEVER happen

But I say quit the yakking and go for it dear wise native that I wronged? Gather up your fearless warriors and sharpen your sticks and BRING IT ON!!! You make me sick for all our ancestors that fought to give you your liberties pathetic traitorous son of a bitch!

Anonymous said...

Donald no doubt appeals to many commenters on this blog.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...


Right on 9:12 I guess I struck a nerve with you?

Yes ! My whiite self thought you were a white person trying to devolve the argument by race baiting.

No local grown ups that I know are as ignorant and raceist as you seem to be.

So I guess your a "been their at the Rotunda" makes you a brave warrior that would take my FLAG? As much as you wish and pretend, it will NEVER happen

But I say quit the yakking and go for it dear wise native that I wronged? Gather up your fearless warriors and sharpen your sticks and BRING IT ON!!! You make me sick for all our ancestors that fought to give you your liberties pathetic traitorous son of a bitch!

June 12, 2016 at 11:39 AM
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Donald no doubt appeals to many commenters on this blog.

June 12, 2016 at 2:45 PM

Yup. Obviously 11:39 is one of them. Hey idiot you took MY flag! What a tard. A race hater and a child. Its what at the core of this is race-baiting like this loon. If this is what supporting GMO does to your brain forget it. Trumpsters GMO candidate? No way I want GMO now.

But I dont like white hippy slave farm produce either. Guess I only have air left. oh..snap!

Anonymous said...


But I say quit the yakking and go for it dear wise native that I wronged? Gather up your fearless warriors and sharpen your sticks and BRING IT ON!!! You make me sick for all our ancestors that fought to give you your liberties pathetic traitorous son of a bitch!

June 12, 2016 at 11:39 AM

Many Hawaiians, Polynesians and locals served and are serving. You are not semper fi obviously. as for the rest you,Sir...are a Class 1 MORON.

Anonymous said...

To 9:12 AM --

I know Walter. He makes stuff up and stirs up racism and baseless fear of other people and other ways.
What for? And who is paying for all the trips?

Anonymous said...

I occasionally read Joan's blog for information. Most of these comments are not providing information just personal agenda a lot of which show disrespect and dissing what others blog. There is obviously reason to be concerned about GMO crops because as this map by center for food safety shows at least half of the world has GMO food labeling laws
http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/ge-map/#
Since there is much concern and much yet to be determined by scientific evidence I believe AT LEAST consumers should have the right to know if the food they are consuming contains GMO. The only option to avoid purchasing (supporting) food with GMOs is to purchase food labeled No GMO or ORGANIC which may or may not actually be 100% accurate.

Anonymous said...

Grow your own food

Anonymous said...

DK, repeating or "flipping " what I say is poor form .

Go ahead and tell the folks what your heritage is. So at least actual Hawaiians can be disappointed in your picking their fights?

I dare you to tell the truth DK!!

You are determined to get people fighting as long as it isn't you?

Anonymous said...

4:47,

What country did you do your Semper Fi work in?

Yea that's what I thought DK. By insulting everyone I served with from all over this great nation , I was in the Army but, you just insulted the US Marines .. Stop before you dig your hole any deeper.

Or wait, don't stop, keep on saying what your saying. This is good training. And I'm more than happy to be your target practice.

Try organizing your shot groups for starters then go million dollar minute?

Anonymous said...

Who is DK? All I see are anon comments?

Anonymous said...

Dustin Barca would broke your ass Anyday hahahaha. Frekn clown racist Kanaka? You even kanaka ? Or are you pinoe or Japanese or Portuguese Hawaiian ? Or Haole Hawaiian? Barca spends more time restoring Lo'i and Heiau than any of us. I've seen him at Po'oku many weekends and my friends have been restoring a whole ahupua'a in the Mauka with him. He don't want nothing but mutual respect. And he'll be the first to tell you he is not kanaka . Clowns on this site.... Put your names . Come Anahola , shake your world. Kanaka Style!