Many turned out for the march in support of a GMO-free Maui. Photos by Tyler Vaughan.
By Tyler Vaughan
Staff Writer
(Maui)—An estimated 1,500 citizens came out this past Saturday, March the 23rd to Wailuku in support of a GMO (genetically modified organism)-free Maui and to oppose the presence of the American multinational agricultural biotechnology corporation, Monsanto, in Hawaii. This gathering was the fourth of five marches scheduled to take place on each of the Hawaiian Islands throughout the month of March. The fifth and final March will be next Saturday the 30th on the island of Molokai.
The procession began at the War Memorial Stadium at 12 pm and advanced down Ka’ahumanu Avenue towards Whole Foods Market, where demonstrators lined either side of the highway before returning to the War Memorial Stadium later that afternoon.
Partakers marched to the beat of drums displaying anti-GMO picket signs and received honks of support from passing cars. The afternoon’s steady rain did not discourage the large group of participants from gathering to express their opinions on this issue. “I feel really strongly about the Monsanto occupation of the world and I’m very concerned about it here in Hawaii, where it starts with the seeds, and I thought it was worth putting my feet on the ground about it,” said attendee Marie Bouman.
The spectrum of protesters was varied, with families, young adults, tourists, residents and locals all coming together to be seen and heard. “I’m here to support protesting against Monsanto and GMO,” said Cheryl Tabaco. “We have a small farm, we raise our own organic vegetables and we want to keep it organic. I want everything to be labeled that is not, so that I know what’s out there.” Kamana’o’i’o Gomes explained that he had come for his children. “My interest is for my keiki, I’m a dad of two girls … I’m here in order for them to eat good food.” Ekolu Kalama said he was in attendance to protest not just Monsanto, but other GMO cooperations on the island. “Everyone is talking about Monsanto but there are also other chemical companies here. We don’t want to only pick on Monsanto, we want all of them out.” After displaying signs and singing group chants for a few hours, the event winded down and people gathered back at the War Memorial Stadium. Courtney Bruch, the
coordinator for GMO-Free Maui, was pleased with the support of the community. “I am so happy, it’s wonderful. I am so grateful that so many people turned out. We have had many different demonstrations, this is definitely the largest.” The afternoon finished with a closing ceremony led by Uncle Walter Ritte and Dustin Barca, one of the creators of the March in March event. “This event started off as just an idea,” said Barca when questioned about the origins of March in March. “There were five Saturdays in the month, and it just seemed right, with the five islands…” Barca was also pleased with the success of the march. “I think the only way to conquer any challenge is through unity, uniting everybody together. The marches have been uniting all the islands together, kind of linking the chain. So it’s been a powerful voice of consciousness reaching out to all people in Hawaii.”
After attending this march, it was apparent that people here on Maui have something to say about GMO’s and the presence of Monsanto in Hawaii, and this event showed that many are ready and willing to hit the pavement and make their voices heard. Despite Hawaii Ahe efforts, Monsanto did not have any representation present at the rally to comment on their behalf.