Hawai‘i farmers, teachers, legal and medical experts and community activists share their perspectives on GMO’s (Genetically Modified Organisms), the genetic engineering of crops and the patenting of life forms.
“Hawai’i has been called the GMO testing capitol of the world because we have had more than 2,000 field tests of experimental genetically-engineered crops in more than 6,000 locations around our small state,” says Earthjustice attorney Paul Achitoff. “And this is more than any other place in the world.”
Earthjustice has won lawsuits in federal and state courts challenging the introduction of these experimental crops in the islands without first assessing environmental and human health impacts.
Islands at Risk looks at possible health impacts from exposure to biopharmaceutical crops, both in humans and endangered species. Family farmers express their concern over the genetic contamination of regular food crops such as papaya, taro, coffee and corn.
Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) recount their attempts to prevent the patenting of taro, honored as an ancestor, and assert their right to protect the biodiversity of their lands, crucial to health and survival.
The video also addresses the impact of genetic engineering on food security and the world’s future ability to feed itself.
NĀ MAKA O KA ʻĀINA
We are Joan Lander and Puhipau (1937-2016) of Nā Maka o ka ‘Āina (“The Eyes of the Land”), an independent video production team that, since 1981, has focused on the land and people of Hawai‘i and the Pacific.
We exist to document and give voice and face to traditional and contemporary Hawaiian culture, history, language, art, music, environment and the politics of independence and sovereignty. Our over 100 documentary and educational programs have been seen on PBS, Hawai‘i public and commercial television stations, public access cable channels, and broadcast/cable networks in Canada, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Japan, Mexico and Europe.
Our award-winning productions have been used by teachers and scholars in classrooms in Hawai‘i and throughout the world, and our iconic footage of the Hawaiian sovereignty movement has been featured in numerous documentaries by other producers.
