HDF not pursuing expansion beyond 699 cows
We thank The Garden Island for its coverage of Hawaii Dairy Farm’s efforts to increase our state’s local milk supply. However, we request a correction to your recent story about an opinion offered by the Bloomberg School of Public Health, which is associated with the John Hopkins Center for Livable Future School of Public Health (“Letter questions dairy plan,” Feb. 11, 2018).
The story fails to mention that the concerns expressed in the letter refer only to dairy plans “should HDF expand to the contemplated herd size” from 699 to 2,000. In fact, the letter is essentially supportive of the proposal for 699 cows, indicating that it “includes many elements that are consistent with pasture-based, sustainable production.”
Omission of this important clarification, clearly stated in the first two paragraphs of the letter, misrepresents the scope of the opinion and does not further public discussion of the facts.
Hawaii Dairy Farms is not pursuing the expansion beyond 699 cows.
HDF’s proposed vision for an economically feasible, pasture-based dairy on Kauai is rooted in our mission to promote Hawaii’s self-sufficiency and sustainability through local food production. We remain committed to being a responsible community partner, as demonstrated by our participation in the environmental impact statement process.
Amy Hennessey, Hawaii Dairy Farms
On pesticides and government waste
Aloha, I have two items I would like to address. First, I want to thank Rep. Chris Lee for bringing up the fact that families here in the islands and everywhere for that matter, should have the right to live free from the harmful effects of pesticides.
The studies are in and there is plenty of evidence to prove pesticides are harmful to humans and the environment. And yes our honey bee populations are being adversely affected. The time is well past due to start putting the health of the people and the islands before big corporation bottom lines. Any politician who thinks otherwise will not be getting my vote as well as the votes of many others.
Secondly, regarding government waste and there is so much on all levels.
What happened to Gov. Ige’s Hawaii State Environmental Council? In 2016 he appointed, or shall we say hired, a 15 member state office council to bridge the state Office of Environmental Quality Control to the public. Members are from all islands except Niihau.
Two women from Kauai, Barbara Maka’ala Ka’aumoana and Theresita Kinnaman, who are supposed to be providing information to the public on all sorts of environmental issues.
I found an annual report but it had to do with the return of Hokule and hosting a World Youth Congress last summer. It would be helpful if these representatives would communicate with the public so we can address our concerns regarding our environment. If they have had meetings I never heard about them. Some information and outreach would be appreciated.
Linda Bothe, Kalaheo
