HONOLULU – Taro farmers and Native Hawaiians protested the lack of a moratorium on the sacred taro plant Tuesday, saying it should be protected by law from meddling researchers.
Holding signs saying, "Culture not research" and "Hear our bill," the group of about 30 people rallied at Iolani Palace in favor of legislation that would prevent scientists from genetically modifying the plant, which is used to make the starchy food poi and considered an ancestor of the Hawaiian people.
"Culturally, it's quite offensive to us that they would take our ancestor and genetically engineer it," said Jerry Konanui, a taro farmer from Puna. "Hawaiians have raised taro for generations with no problem."
The issue of a statewide ban on genetically altering taro also came up in last year's legislative session, when protesters surrounded the offices of key lawmakers and demanded public hearings for the moratorium proposal.
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Scientists from the University of Hawaii opposed the moratorium because they want the freedom to genetically modify taro to protect it from diseases that could potentially wipe out the islands' crops.
But farmers say many varieties of taro have survived for centuries without scientists changing its core structure.
"They have their own diversity and can fight off whatever diseases they need to," said Chris Kobayashi, a taro farmer from Hanalei. "It's none of their business for them to go modify something that's so ancient."
The state Department of Agriculture is preparing a report on the suggested genetic modification ban, which will be used to shape new taro laws after the Legislature opens its 2008 session Wednesday.
House Agriculture Chairman Clifton Tsuji, D-Hilo-Glenwood, said he won't decide whether to support a five- or 10-year moratorium until he reviews the report.
"It's a very contentious issue. On one side we talk about research to review the viability of taro. On the other side, you have the cultural significance," he said.
He is introducing several taro protection measures of his own that would:
— Establish a taro farming and training program at the University of Hawaii.
— Provide cheaper leases to taro farmers on state land.
— Create a program to help commercial taro farmers maximize their businesses.
— Appropriate grants for taro farming to preserve its cultural legacy.
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