For Immediate Release
Contact: Tiare Lawrence
ALOHA ʻĀINA UNITY MARCH TO TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY
Lahaina – On Sunday, October 18th, organizers estimate that thousands will march in Lahaina in support of Aloha ʻĀina – love for the land. The Aloha ʻĀina Unity March will start at 10:00 am at Mala in Lahaina. Organizers chose Lahaina, Maui’s tourism hub, in an effort to raise awareness on issues surrounding over development and exploitation of natural and cultural resources. The March will be followed by a rally at Kamehameha Iki Park.
Organizers are encouraging tourists and the visitor industry to support the Aloha ʻĀina March because, according to organizer, Tiare Lawrence, “Hawaiʻi’s natural and cultural resources and values are why our visitor industry exists. Assaults on those resources are assaults on Hawaiʻiʻs number one industry, tourism.”
Organizers say that at the forefront of concern is the development of the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) on Haleakalā and the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) on Maunakea, the GMO issue, and the restoration of streamflow. More 25 people have been arrested the past few months protecting Haleakalā from further desecration.
During the 2014 election, the residents of Maui County voted for a moratorium on genetically engineered crops for environmental and public health impact studies, public hearings, and a two-thirds vote and a determination by the Maui County Council that operations meet standards.
Native Hawaiian groups have been fighting for water rights for decades. Water has been diverted from over 100 rivers on Maui since the 1800’s to support the pineapple and sugar industry, which forced many native Hawaiians from their homelands because they no longer had water to support their lo’i and lifestyle.
“These are Maui issues that have impacts on all the islands. We need to fight for our farmers, we need to control our wai, we need to stand in unity for our ʻĀina before its too late.” Keʻeaumoku Kapu, cultural practitioner and march organizer.
Over 30 organizations representing a wide–range of interests have sponsored or endorsed this event. They range from cultural and environmental groups to surfers and local small businesses. “This March is to raise awareness and send a message to decision-makers that the people are not going to tolerate exploitation of our resources…our voices are being ignored, so we’re taking a stand.” asserted Lawrence.
The March will start at 10:00 am at Mala followed by a rally at Kamehameha Iki Park, where leaders and performers will take the stage to educate the crowd. More than 7,000 people are expected to participate in the March.
Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Date: 10/18 Sunday
Location: Start at Ala Moana St, Lahaina (MALA) and finish at Moku’ula with a rally across the street at Kamehameha Iki Park at 1 pm.
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Photo of Oahu Aloha ʻĀina Unity March photo credit Babes Against Biotech: http://RiseUpMaui.com/Alohaainamarch.jpg
