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Film captures diverse audience
by Charlotte Woolard - The Garden Island
Residents who turned out at Monday’s screening of “Islands at Risk,” a film about genetically engineered crops developed in Hawai‘i, came from both camps.
Workers from bio-tech company Syngenta watched the film alongside a group that included parents of students at Waimea Canyon Elementary and Middle School.
Both groups wait to hear the outcome of tests that came in the wake a November incident that left several people at the school, which is located adjacent to a Syngenta field, in need of medical attention after smelling wild spider flower. The source of the illness has not been determined.
“We need more information,” said Dr. Lorrin Pang, a health advisor and guest speaker from Maui. “We’re trying to find out what’s happening. There has to be a prompt, thorough, fair investigation. I don’t see that.”
He advocated more testing for genetically modified crops, and he also called for labels that would identify GM foods.
“You’re guilty until proven safe,” he said.
Sarah Styan, a research scientist at Pioneer who also heads the Hawai‘i Crop Improvement Association, attended the event.
“There is a forum for debate,” she said. “My reason for attending was to learn what people think. We’re also concerned members of the community.”
The HCIA has stepped up outreach work, she said, speaking at schools, attending science fairs and addressing groups like the Filipino Chamber of Commerce.
The event was hosted by GMO-Free Kaua‘i, a local affiliate of Hawai‘i Seed, a group opposed to the development of genetically engineered organisms.
• Charlotte Woolard, business writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or cwoolard@kauaipubco.com.
Workers from bio-tech company Syngenta watched the film alongside a group that included parents of students at Waimea Canyon Elementary and Middle School.
Both groups wait to hear the outcome of tests that came in the wake a November incident that left several people at the school, which is located adjacent to a Syngenta field, in need of medical attention after smelling wild spider flower. The source of the illness has not been determined.
“We need more information,” said Dr. Lorrin Pang, a health advisor and guest speaker from Maui. “We’re trying to find out what’s happening. There has to be a prompt, thorough, fair investigation. I don’t see that.”
He advocated more testing for genetically modified crops, and he also called for labels that would identify GM foods.
“You’re guilty until proven safe,” he said.
Sarah Styan, a research scientist at Pioneer who also heads the Hawai‘i Crop Improvement Association, attended the event.
“There is a forum for debate,” she said. “My reason for attending was to learn what people think. We’re also concerned members of the community.”
The HCIA has stepped up outreach work, she said, speaking at schools, attending science fairs and addressing groups like the Filipino Chamber of Commerce.
The event was hosted by GMO-Free Kaua‘i, a local affiliate of Hawai‘i Seed, a group opposed to the development of genetically engineered organisms.
• Charlotte Woolard, business writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or cwoolard@kauaipubco.com.
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Kapahiresident wrote on Sep 26, 2009 6:56 AM:
" The Kauai Pow is a wonderful family event and is free!
Saturday Gates Open 11 am
Saturday Opening Ceremonies Noon
Saturday Evening Social Dancing for All 5 pm to 7 pm
Come join us in dancing with our Native American friends.
Let's dance in our circle together from 5 to 7 pm Saturday Night.
Sunday 10 am to 5pm
Pow Wow at Kapaa Beach Park by Kapaa Library
Bring your whole family! No alcohol or drugs allowed.
Free Admission "
Saturday Gates Open 11 am
Saturday Opening Ceremonies Noon
Saturday Evening Social Dancing for All 5 pm to 7 pm
Come join us in dancing with our Native American friends.
Let's dance in our circle together from 5 to 7 pm Saturday Night.
Sunday 10 am to 5pm
Pow Wow at Kapaa Beach Park by Kapaa Library
Bring your whole family! No alcohol or drugs allowed.
Free Admission "
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Juan 3imtiaco wrote on Jul 14, 2009 12:37 PM:
Juan "