Hawaii’s idyllic, self-sustaining past came to a brutal halt in the 1960s, when the archipelago became ground zero for the world’s largest chemical companies to test their most dangerous proprietary pesticides and turn it into a GMO food factory. Filmmaker Cyrus Sutton delves into this question of sustainability, genetic engineering, and homeland in the new film “Island Earth.”

The 63-minute documentary, which is available to the public on iTunes, follows the journey of Cliff Kapono, a PhD candidate and scientist, to understand Hawaii’s complicated connection to GMO food. While he believes in the power of genetic modification to further the development of better, more resistant foods, he also understands the way the technology has been used by chemical companies and the devastation it has caused.

Through interactions with people on both ends of this complex spectrum of thought and philosophy, Kapono becomes the viewer’s guide.

Hawaii’s Self-Sustaining Past

The film offers a glimpse at what island nations such as Hawaii once were – “entire worlds” in the era before globalization, according to Peter Vitousek, Ph.D, Professor of Biology at Stanford University. Before Europeans arrived, the population of Hawaii was even greater than once it was colonized, and yet the islands produced enough food to feed everyone. This was thanks to native Hawaiians’ ingenious use of the natural resources of the island: water trickling from the sacred forests would seep into the taro terraces below before journeying further, through the villages, to where fish ponds on the coast naturally sourced fish from the oceans.

These pre-colonial systems were scrapped, and today, while approximately half of Hawaii’s land is designated for agricultural use according to the Hawaii Data Book, the state imports between 80 and 90 percent of its food; commercial crops grown on the island are shipped elsewhere (and often return to Hawaii in processed form).

Because Hawaii has three growing seasons, the island is subjected to three times as much pesticides, and they have the acute instances of illness to prove it, including one at a school highlighted in the film.

“Within two generations, Hawaiians have become canaries in the coal mine for a tangled web of public policy and private interests,” notes a press release for the film.

GMO Food: Walking the Line Between Innovation and Destruction

The film effortlessly toes the line with regards to GMO technology, addressing the danger posed by Big Ag yet offering a measured view of the scientific possibilities afforded by GMOs.

Dennis Gonsalves, retired Professor Emeritus of Plant Pathology at Cornell and director of the USDA’s Pacific Basin Agricultural Center, is one interlocutor who explains the ways in which genetically engineered papaya saved the papaya industry in Hawaii after most of it was wiped out by disease. Today, 85 percent of the papaya grown in Hawaii is genetically engineered.

“I felt like my mind changed while making the film,” notes Sutton of his own preconceptions with regards to GMO food. “It was only after interviewing people who had devoted a large part of their lives to understanding the technology that I realized that it would be irresponsible of me to villainize it.”

But the film also illustrates how the GMO food crisis reached its breaking point in Hawaii.

“GMOs originally came on the industrial agriculture scene to reduce the amount of pesticides needed by creating traits that would make plants stronger in fighting pests and disease,” says Kapono. “But somewhere along the way, it seems something has changed.”

The issue highlighted by the scientists in the film is compared quite appropriately with a similar issue plaguing the medical industry: companies sell seeds that are resistant to their pesticides to sell more chemicals, just like drug companies sell medicines that treat symptoms rather than curing illnesses: this isn’t treating the problem, but rather selling a temporary solution.

The film effortlessly builds rage and indignation in the viewer, as it explores 2016 legislation that maintained that Maui could not ban GMO food production or Dustin Barca’s 2014 campaign for mayor of Kauai on a platform of fighting GMO food in Hawaii, which failed in the face of incumbent Bernie Carvalho.

“Now it’s really just time to lead by example,” says Barca, going back into his garden to continue the hard work.

In fact, Sutton made the bold decision to end the film on this loss.

“I had an original ending that was more of a call to action,” says Sutton. “I felt like it was disingenuous. It was more accurate to end bittersweet.”

Locals Are Fighting the Good Fight

Barca, who is also an MMA fighter, is not the only local battling the GMO food issue in Hawaii.

The film also features Dashiell (Dash) Kuhr, founder and director of Hawai’i Institute of Pacific Agriculture (HIP Agriculture), where he explains the notion of a permaculture garden or “food forest,” a project that he says needs “very little energy” to maintain.

Hawaiian cultural practitioner and educator Malia Chun, meanwhile, says that as a working parent who doesn’t have the time to grow her own food, she is doing what she can by voting with her dollar.

“The only way these corporations are able to survive and thrive is because we keep feeding them our money,” she says.

“Part of what drew me to make the film was just being inspired by the level of ownership of community that local people have,” says Sutton. “Time will tell, but I think if anyone has a good shot, I think they do.”

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The post ‘Island Nations’ Highlights Hawaii’s GMO Food Battle (and It Doesn’t Look the Way You’d Think) appeared first on EcoSalon.

Wondering where in Hawaii you can get some island alone time? Kaua’i’s Kukui’ula is the magical Hawaiian vacation you’ve been looking for, with all the right touches to make it feel like your own private getaway.

I long for the Hawaii of my childhood. Barefoot all day. Outdoor showers. Bumping along dirt roads en route to hidden beaches. Cracking open liliko’i (passion fruit) picked right off the bush. I miss those carefree days where all I needed was the wind in my hair and the ocean at my feet. But I’m older now, and I look to a vacation for as much adventure as – if not more so – rejuvenation.

Not being the typical resort-type, I’m always on the lookout for unique residences that offer that barefoot-all-day, wind-in-the-hair feeling that relaxes my mind and rejuvenates my soul. Kukui’ula, on the island’s south side, delivers just what the vacation doctor ordered. It is the perfect Hawaiian marriage between land and sea.

The Farm at Kukui’ula

A recurring theme of your stay at Kukui’ula is to connect back to the earth. Open daily you’re invited to get (red) dirt-y and visit The Farm. Lean up against the giant ear pod tree and when you’re finished hugging it, look over the reservoir for a fresh new green perspective on life. Then channel your inner forager and get busy selecting the tender greens that Chef Ben Takahashi will serve you under the stars.

After a stunning sunset, twilight, moonrise, and finally a sky full of unending galaxies, you’ll wonder if stardust was the magical ingredient to a sublime evening that you don’t want to end. Interestingly, Lono, the Hawaiian god of peace, is also the god of growing things. Yet, another reason why it’s so important to connect with nature while on vacation. Get your sneakers dirty. At The Farm, you’ve got 13 acres to explore from the mountains to the shoreline.

Wellness Retreats

Kukui’lua and The Farm are so inspiring that plant-based lifestyle entrepreneur Matthew Kenney choose it to launch the premiere of his weeklong mind/body wellness program. Led by Kauai native Wellness Director Jacyn Fainby a yoga, fitness, and plant-based living expert, guests were treated to a daily routine of blissful yoga and meditation. Along with curated plant-based menus harvested from The Farm and daily adventures the likes of ocean paddleboarding, island excursions, surf lessons, lei-making, and Hawaiian inspired spa treatments.

“The program that Director Jacyn Fain has built utilizes talented yoga and meditation experts who will guide guests on their journey to peak mental and physical wellness,” Kenney explains. “Combined with a delicious and beautiful plant-based diet, we believe we are providing an integrated experience like no other in the world.”

Make the Walls Disappear

A throwback to yesteryear’s Hawaii, Kukui’lua brings you back to the elements. With a meditation garden, en plein air dining, outdoor spa treatments and beachfront fire pits for traditional Hawaiian storytelling, Kukui’lua is all about natural inspiration. Add in the sunset rituals and salt water infinity Makai pools and you might never want to hear the word “carpet” again.

In Hawaiian aloha means hello and goodbye. Which is the cycle of life. One door closes to open another. Yet, I believe that when we leave, sometimes we can keep the door open to come home to. Especially, at Kukui’lua.

Find Donna on Twitter and Instagram

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Most lifeguards who are depicted in film just seem to be in the profession for the babes… Well, the North Shore lifeguards who are featured in the video below are in it because they respect the sea, and know how dangerous a “save” can be.

The video below contains footage of Hawaii’s North Shore Lifeguards and the work they do. In order to work against 50- to 60-foot waves during a save, they have to respect the waters and keep their bodies healthy.

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While they may not say so, most people visit Hawaii in order to heal. Different words might be used: “relax,” or “escape.” They’re all synonymous, though, with the fundamental idea of healing. It only seems fitting that the islands are home to ho’oponopono, an ancient ritual of forgiveness and conflict resolution.

Hawaii may very well be my favorite place in the world: A lofty statement, especially from a New Yorker. I’m always seeking an excuse to visit, and when I do, I often go alone. It seems a perfect fit for the solo traveler: Safe, beautiful, quiet when I want it to be, and, if I just need a damn mai tai, there’s never one too far away. But my connection to Hawaii is more profound than cocktails garnished with plumerias. It’s a spiritual, restorative sensation that I experience only when I visit there, and the reason why, when I’m at my emotionally weakest points, I try to educate myself about Hawaiian approaches to mental health. Ho’oponopono is one of them.

I first began reading about ho’oponopono shortly after I graduated from business school, when I picked up Ulrich E. Duprée’s short, lightweight “Ho’oponopono: The Hawaiian Forgiveness Ritual as the Key to Your Life’s Fulfillment.” In the book, Duprée defines ho’oponopono as “love in action.”

“You forgive yourself and others for having inflicted any sort of hurt,” he writes, “or for having failed to help when needed.” It carries a mantra of, “I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I love you. Thank you.”

Forgiveness, for many of us, is a rather tall order. There’s an observable tendency in American culture to lean toward blame, whether asking, “Where did I go wrong?” of ourselves, or, “What the hell is the matter with you?” of others. We are not a society to whom grace and compassion come easily. We body-shame. We yell. We’re always in a hurry. No wonder Hawaii is an escapist’s dream.

One of the most common situational instances of fault and blame’s prevalence can be found during a breakup. Often, a relationship’s end is rife with anger, bitterness and resentment; forgiveness is, much of the time, the last thing felt by either party. I should know; I’ve been through enough failed relationships to be an expert. (See what I did there? “Failed.” No self-forgiveness here!) In fact, during my most recent visit to Hawaii, another solo trip for which my original purpose was to write about farmers markets, I experienced what is likely my most difficult breakup thus far. Here’s the weird part: In this particular situation, there was no anger. There was no blame, or bitterness, or resentment. There was only pain, and a lot of it. I wasn’t sure if even Hawaii could heal me.

Somewhere along the way, I realized that, despite my excitement around my travels to the beautiful island, I had largely lost my regard for ho’oponopono. There I was, in the ritual’s birthplace, and I hadn’t even thought to further educate myself about it, or truly put it into practice. My pain became an opportunity. After all, in his book, Duprée notes, “Ho’oponopono is a spiritual-soul method of purification that cleanses us from fears and worries, destructive relationship patterns, and any religious dogmas and paradigms that oppose our personal and spiritual development. It cleans out the blockages in our thoughts and cell structure, for our thoughts are made manifest in our body.” That was it! Even though I hadn’t expected to spend my time in Hawaii on the breakup process, the island was already working on the healing process before I even got there, by clearing my mind enough to acknowledge the truth about a relationship that simply was no longer working.

In the introduction of his ho’oponopono book (which, yes, I highly recommend everyone pick up), Duprée explains the role of Hawaiian kahunas as “guardians of this ancient teaching,” noting that “to know something without then using it really makes nonsense of it, because wisdom is revealed by what a person does, not by what they know.” Meditation is, ultimately, a practice. Perhaps putting forgiveness into practice is the revelation of such wisdom: To others, but just as critically, to ourselves. Viewing pain as an opportunity is a powerful phenomenon: One that allows us to operate with something other than a sense of our weakness and suffering.

It’s as if Hawaii says to us, “Hey! Look around you! It’s pretty beautiful, isn’t it? Sit down, and let it heal you.” Of course, not everyone can physically visit Hawaii when such crises occur, and we never know when one will hit.  That doesn’t mean we can’t rely on the lessons of ho’oponopono, or learn that its regular practice benefits us in a broader sense, and not just when we are in trouble.  If we realize how important it is to forgive, both ourselves and others, and how self-destructive it is to constantly seek blame when things go wrong, each day of our lives can be richer.

Say hey to Amanda on Twitter or Instagram

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It’s always better to view hurricanes from a distance, and we’ve got hurricane videos via a wave gliding robot tweeting out a detailed analysis of the storms hitting Hawaii.

Yesterday weakened tropical storm Iselle hit the Hawaiian island with diminished 60 mph winds. Hurricane Julio should pass over the weekend, moving north of the Big Island of Hawaii–all being captured by the surfing robot.

This stealth surfing robot, called the Wave Glider Holohoho is powered by a combination of the waves themselves and solar panels. It’s equipped with internet, hurricane videos, and sensors that measure temperature, wind speed, water pressure, and wind direction. This fleet of Wave Gliders can perform complicated and precise surveys of large areas gathering storm data and streaming it real time.

The gliders, invented by Liquid Robotics, use a propulsion system that requires no refueling and very little maintenance as long as the ocean continues to move. NOAA has Wave Gliders that traveled right into the heart of Hurricane Sandy last year. Check out the video below for more info on this pretty incredible technology.

“Our customer is anyone who moves over the ocean or extracts value from it,” Vass says on Fortune. “Or anyone who deals with weather,” he adds.

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Public outrage over genetically-modified foods is growing by the day. But is it OK to cross the line into vandalism? Recent actions by anti-GMO activists in Hawaii force us to decide.

A family farm in Puna, Hawaii, suffered from a recent act of eco-activism where over 100 genetically-modified papaya trees were cut down by machete during the night.

“It’s hard to imagine anybody putting that much effort into doing something like that. It means somebody has to have passionate reason,” said Delan Perry, vice president of the Hawaii Papaya Industry Association.

Genetically-modified (GM) papaya trees were introduced to the region to protect against ringspot virus. In 1992, the virus became widespread, infecting thousand of papaya trees by killing the plants leaves. As a result, the virus cost farmers millions of dollars in losses. The genetically-modified papayas, which are planted on the majority of farms in Puna, Hawaii, are resistant to the dangerous ringspot virus. And it’s estimated that the genetically-modified seed has saved Hawaii’s papaya industry over $11 million.

Puna is the center of Hawaii’s commercial papaya industry, and this incident of eco-activism wasn’t the first of its kind. In 2011, the same farm was attacked, with 3,000 genetically-modified papaya trees cut down over 10 acres. And only a year before 8,500 GM papaya trees were destroyed.

Should Genetically Modified Foods Be Destroyed?

There is a clear divide between consumers who support organic farming and those who support GMOs. Genetically-modified crops often tote reduced pesticide use, but reports show GMOs often require extra chemicals to combat weeds. Even more so, the untested effects of GMOs raise enormous concerns, and consumers are still fighting for the right to know through GMO labeling.

At first, those of us who oppose genetically-modified foods might cheer at this valiant act of civil disobedience. Yet, it quickly becomes apparent that each act of vandalism negatively impacts farmers who are already struggling to hold on to their land. The most recent attack on the genetically-modified papaya farm in Puna cost the family over $3,000 in lost crops.

“These farmers are working really, really hard to support their families,” says regional property owner Peter Houle. “They’ve done nothing wrong and they feel violated.”

If papaya farmers are only protecting planting genetically-modified seeds against the ringspot virus by , should they be punished in this way?

Images: Hawaii News Now

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Maui’s first lavender farm, Ali’I Kula Lavender, is a sustainable work of art situated in the beautiful upcountry hills of the lush island.

Nestled into the hills of Kula in upcountry Maui sits Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm, an impeccable canvas and feast for the eyes which functions as an herb farm, vegetable and flower garden, and serene sanctuary. With views over the Maalea Bay, this is the perfect place to relax away from the posh imitations of Hawai’i found at most beachside resorts. As a purveyor of Sustainable Aloha, Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm is founded on love, friendship and responsibility, thus demonstrating the importance of our relationship with the land, our community and each other; and representing the legacy of one of Maui’s finest green thumbs.

Ali’i Chang established his Kula farm in 1999 after having owned a successful tropical flower farm on the rainier side of Maui. On his new land he first planted protea, or sugar bush, the South African flower that was known to thrive in the area, and soon began researching other plants that would thrive in the more arid, hilly landscapes. He was given a lavender plant by a friend in 2001, and thus discovered the perfect match for his Kula farm. As a drought resistant plant, lavender does not mind the average 25 inches of annual rainfall, and loves to bask in the full sun of the well-drained, south facing slopes of this Kula hillside.

This herb is in fact one of the most ideal plants for a sustainable and fairly low maintenance crop that provides an impressive yield. The plant needs very little watering, as it seeps in the moisture that often settles on the Kula hills in the late afternoon, and like most herbs, actually thrives in poorer soil. As a rather acidic plant, insects do not like to nibble on lavender, rendering sprays and fertilizers obsolete. As a native of Europe, lavender is also not subject to the gleaning eye of plant thieves, that were often after more colorful and exotic greenery. As the late Ali’i himself put it “I think the lavender chose me. Lavender won’t grow just anywhere. It happens that we’re right here under a lucky star.”

The nine varieties of this aromatic and therapeutic herb grown at the farm are turned into various delicious and healing products that are sold at the AKL’s gift shop, as well as online. These products are completely natural, using organic ingredients whenever possible. Some of their most rejuvenating and delectable products are listed below:

1. Organic Lavender Gardener’s Lotion

Soothing and enriching, this moisturizer acts as a natural insect repellant that quickly soothes dry skin and calms the nerves with subtle aromas of citronella and lavender. Non-greasy, and long lasting moisture make this a favorite among both men and women.

2. Lavender Lip Balm

This amazingly soothing balm heals cracked or dry lips, and also acts as a sunscreen. Leaving lips feeling soft and smooth, the two flavors, Lavender Lemonade and Lavender Honey, blend pure lavender, essential oils and avocado and coconut oils into for totally pampered lips.

3. Organic Lavender Honey Scrub

Treat yourself to a blissful exfoliation with AKL’s lavender honey scrub that heals and polishes your skin into a glowing, satiny smoothness. The natural, gentle and grease-free ingredients make this scrub ideal for the face and body.

4. Lavender Eye Mask

Having a hard time sleeping or getting to a place of deep relaxation? Use this lavender eye mask, comprising solely of lavender buds, to relieve eye muscle stress, headaches or head tension, or to experience a deep, restful sleep. The soothing and calming qualities of lavender will relax and calm your senses.

5. Lavender Herb Tea

Completely herbal, this caffeine-free tea is great for any season, as it tastes wonderful served hot or cold, especially with a wedge of lemon. Alongside its delicious flavor, this tea also aids blood circulation, digestion and encourages mental clarity and heightened memory.

6. Lavender Lilikoi Jelly

Lilikoi, the Hawai’ian passion fruit grown in upcountry Maui, blends perfectly with lavender in this tangy and versatile  spread. An exotic and unique topping for scones, bagels and breads, this jelly also lends itself well to marinades, grilling sauces and other savory dishes such as Avocados Stuffed with Shrimp.

Although lavender is the main crop at Ali’I Kula, it is certainly not the only plant gracing this carpet of botanical beauty. Ali’I took great pride on providing visitors with an ever-changing vista of wonders by planting flora that would thrive with the resources available in his hillsides and by including fascinating artifacts and collectibles from his travels amidst the landscape.

As a community and organization committed to Sustainable Aloha, Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm is committed to nurturing the well-being of the local community and all of its living creatures for generations to come. The farm provides educational stewardship through a scholarship program, and supports the local economy through agri-tourism that demonstrates a sustainable way of gardening and living. Upon visiting, the spirit of Aloha can be felt from the smiles upon faces and through the cared for, but not overly manicured, gorgeous and peaceful grounds. Respect for the earth and the environment is evident and Ali’I Kula Lavender Farm, a paradise that truly nurtures and protects the land and its people.

Images: AKL Maui, Leena Oijala

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Explore a forest.

Remember the Lorax who spoke for the trees? As colorful as they may be,Truffula Trees have nothing on the ones in our own backyard. These six magnificent trees would leave even the Lorax speechless — and you don’t have to venture into a Dr. Suess book to find them.

1. The Banyan Tree; Lahaina, Maui. (Pictured above)

Don’t you just want to stretch out on one of these branches and read a book in the Hawaiian sun? Yeah, we do, too. Planted in 1873, this banyan tree was only eight feet tall. Today it stands 60 feet tall and has 11 more trunks than when it was first brought to Maui from India. It’s also a community center for the town of Lahaina, providing shade for almost an entire acre of land next to the beach.

2. The Lone Cypress; Monterey Peninsula, California.

The Lone Cypress earned its fame for its solitary cliffside location on the rocky California coast. We understand why — this tree is insanely photogenic! At 250 years old, this cypress is a landmark for California’s beautiful 17-mile drive on the Monterey Peninsula.

3. “Methuselah” Bristlecone Pine, California.

Gnarled and mangled, the Methuselah pine tree stands as the oldest living thing in the world. This tree has seen it all, and its twisted branches hold stories over 4,800 years old. No wonder it was named after the oldest person in the Hebrew Bible!

4. Pando Aspen Tree Grove; Utah.

Head to this grove of quaking aspen trees in southern Utah and you’ll find yourself face to face with the largest living organism in the world. Yeah, we’re talking about the trees. Turns out, these trees share a connected system of roots, making them all essentially one giant organism. Pretty neat, huh? The grove was named “Pando,” after the Latin word for “I spread.”

5. General Sherman Sequoia; Northern California.

Who is General Sherman? The person, William Tecumseh Sherman, was a general in the Civil War. But we mostly care about the tree named after him — the Sherman Tree, the biggest tree (by volume) in the world. With a circumference of 102 feet, it would take almost 20 people holding hands to circle its entire trunk!

6. Ancient Angel Oak Tree; Charleston, South Carolina.

The Ancient Angel loves to spread its wings, with a canopy reaching almost 17,000 square feet. Visitors have described this tree as elegant and enchanting, with a Southern charm all its own. Ancient Angel may also be the oldest tree east of the Mississippi at the age of 1,400 years.

Bonus: Hyperion coastal redwood; Humboldt, California.

Discovered in 2006, the Hyperion redwood is considered the tallest tree in the world at almost 380 feet. Scientists are insistent on keeping the Hyperion safe — the giant continues to tower over the forest in an undisclosed location.

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This post originally appeared in Sierra magazine.

Image: Bevis Chin, Tim Pearce, Clinton Steeds, msn678, mikebaird, Charleston’s TheDigitel,

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