Food, fuel security vital to a healthy Maui future

With headlines that read “Buzz of shortage triggers panic,” “Fuel costs blamed,” “Major food crisis,” it is apparent that the time is now to establish and secure our island’s food and energy resources.

We live on an island graced by relentless sun, wind, wave and tidal action. With these abundant resources we are able to, with the proper technology, provide sufficient energy for our island that comes from local, renewable sources.

Our alluvial plains are nutrient rich and largely undeveloped. We have experienced agriculturalists who are able to produce food for our people. Most importantly, we have a market and a demand for food that is grown locally.

The Hawaiian Islands make up the most isolated island group on the globe. This isolation has created our beautiful and unique ecosystems, but has also left us extremely vulnerable. With dwindling supplies and rising cost of food and oil worldwide, it is imperative that Maui begins to establish our sources of food and fuel. The possibilities are endless.

We are at a standstill due to the lack of political will. It’s an election year. Know who are truly advocates for the environment and therefore advocates for the secure future of Maui. Know who has voted to disregard our precious island resources and will continue to do so at the price of our own health and safety.

Let’s utilize the amazing resources available to us and create a food and energy independent Maui. Imua.

Summer Starr

Olinda