Gaia: Maui Permaculture Network ~ MPN ~

June Random Bits ~MPN~ "Summer of PEACE" ~ Big fun events ahead

http://klarity.gaia.com — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 22:17:35 GMT

Table of Clarity: 0. Upcoming “Summer of Peace” MPN Gatherings & KLARITY Permaculture Design Art workshops. 1. Lanai Timeshare among friends; small 60-year-old plantation home. 2. Good Bee News Organic Beekeepers Report No Colony Collapse 3. Dome Shell Technologies – Claire’s friends in Australia 4. A wee bit of love to me about our last MPN gathering. 5. Yard Sale w/ Aloha ~ “Choke stuff”--July 1st, Huelo. 6. http://www.scientology.org.au/flash/homequote.swf 7. http://www. ecodrive.org 8. Hali i’Maili Community Garden—ML&P has given the MPN a great gift. We now have a beautiful large piece of land: June 23rd, 8am-1pm-ish: Ground Blessing & site analysis & bamboo building workshop Plus, June 30th, 11-2: Master Gardeners Q&A -- See attached pdf invitation. 9. Cancer-causing plastic: do not microwave plastic or freeze plastic water bottles. 10. “11th Hour.” I saw it last night, Leonardo DiCaprio’s new eco-documentary. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Summer of Peace” Starting now ~ On-going KLARITY PCD Art classes Location: On my land, "Soul Nest," in Huelo on Door of Faith Road. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays 4-6pm & 7-9pm KLARITY PCD Art classes: Inspiration for our emerging new world Children building eco-homes & regenerative towns in clay models Adults slideshow and talk story of Permaculture Around the World Adult Permaculture Arts: Bamboo garden art; tipis, ladders, archways Stepping stones; mosaic & leaf imprints Market bags; cloth sewn, embroidered and painted & Painting lap desk mandala signs and garden art circle paintings. Call for further info and to register. 808-344-1228 Claire KLARITY Permaculture Design (KPCD) upcoming offerings: Save dates! June 23rd: at 8am-12noon ... At Hali i’Maile Community Gardens MPN’s Permaculture Oasis demo land: Ground Blessing & Permaculture Site Analysis Maui Permaculture Network Monthly Gatherings June 24th: Sunday, 9am-1pm ... at Kutira & Rafael's Kahua O'Mali'O Bamboo Farm, in Huelo, Maui, Hawaii....on Door of Faith Road (FYI: meaning behind of name... Kahua: Mystic woman, reknowned for art & music O'Mali'o: Art of Love & Magic, Embodied Spiituality) July 8th: Sunday, 9am-1pm ... at Yellowseed Bamboo Nursery, Haiku Meet and connect with new vision for bamboo globally and locally. Jericho Samuel Stringer opens his beautiful land for us to share this gathering. MPN format; Potluck of organic salads at 12nn, Trash-free/ zero waste. Yes!~ July 12th, Thursday, 4-6pm, Hali i’Maile Bamboo Garden Art structures building workshop; we'll build shade in all sizes! tipis, ladders, and arches for fruitful entries! call to register and for further info. 344-1228....Claire July: Bamboo Farm ~ 4 Sundays (7/1, 15, 22, 29) from 9am-12noon and 12noon to 1pm-ish organic salads pot luck lunch/talk story In Huelo on Door of Faith Road ~ $30/per person per Sunday We will plan and plant in a Hands-on Food forest around an elegant newly built bamboo home. Register early: call Claire 344-1228, Space limited! August: The Studio Maui Green Series: Workshop to create regenerative food forest entrance to Studio Maui and weekly evening events in August, including the KLARITY Slideshow and Talk Story of inspiration from "Permaculture Around The World," showing eco-brilliance from ecovillages worldwide. August 18 & 19th: Hale Akua Shangri La weekend workshops Sept: I’ll be teaching at MCC: “The Art of Sustainability; An intro to Permaculture” and creating personal eco-KLARITY action plan for each participant; 6 classes at MCC, and 6 site tours. Let me know what interests you. 1. From: Claudia & Kevin Ledesma Claudia & Kevin Ledesma re: Lanai Timeshare among friends; their small 60-year-old plantation home. Anyone who has visited Lanai for a weekend knows how relaxing the place is, how incredibly beautiful the beach is, how charming Lanai city is and that you just feel like you're in another world. Please email us back and let us know, what you think and if you have any suggestions/questions. Claudia, Kevin and Nohea http://www.halemaukamakai.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2. Good Bee News As offered by MPN friend, Anne Pierce~~Thanks Anne. Organic Beekeepers Report No Colony Collapse >> Scientists are struggling to understand the dramatic decline in the >> honeybee population in the U.S. and other countries. But organic >> beekeepers' hives are doing just fine, one keeper disclosed. >> >> Nationwide, one-half to a 1 million colonies out of a total of 2.4 >> million died this past winter, and scientists aren't sure why. >> >> Genetically modified foods, mites, pathogens, pesticides and >> electromagnetic radiation from cell phones have all been blamed as >> possible causes of the bees' demise, although the underlying problem >> remains unknown, Science Daily reports. >> >> But organic beekeeper Sharon Labchuk of Prince Edward Island, Canada, >> wrote in an e-mail excerpted by informationliberation.com: >> >> "I'm on an organic beekeeping list of about 1,000 people, mostly >> Americans, and no one in the organic beekeeping world, including >> commercial beekeepers, is reporting colony collapse on this list. >> >> "The problem with the big commercial guys is that they put pesticides >> in their hives to fumigate for varroa mites, and they feed >> antibiotics to the bees. They also haul the hives by truck all over >> the place to make more money with pollination services, which >> stresses the colonies." >> >> Another beekeeper, Michael Bush, explains on his Web site that >> commercial keepers use hives with larger honeycombs, which results in >> larger bees. >> >> The article on http://www.informationliberation.com/?id=21912 also >> cited by the Progressive Review, states: >> >> "Who should be surprised that the major media reports forget to tell >> us that the dying bees are actually hyper-bred varieties that we coax >> into a larger than normal body size. It sounds just like the beef >> industry." >> >> Editor 3. Dome Shell Technologies – Claire’s friends in Australia; Message from Christopher Brown Managing Director BIRTH OF OUR UNIQUE BUILDING SYSTEM... After extensive research and development I am very proud to announce the birth of a highly developed, unique construction system. We believe DomeShells to be among the most energy efficient and structurally secure building systems in the world. To read more download a PDF. MY VISION FOR THE FUTURE... To spread DomeShells technology globally to provide the maximum benefit for humanity. I see a rapidly growing demand for small to medium sized domestic structures, which are capable of providing people with strong, safe, secure and energy efficient accommodation to suit many different cultures, climates and budgets. 4. A wee bit of love to me about us: Hi Claire, What a great gathering at your house Sunday! It was great to be among other lovers of the earth at your wonderful little niche. Great food by everybody too. And one of the best circles I can remember; the silence was SO golden. Thanks Clarity! 5. Yard Sale w/ Aloha ~ “Choke stuff” July 1st, Huelo, Door of Faith Road & Hana Highway, or by appt.....call Claire at 344-1228 9am-12noon and organic salads “lucky bowls” aka Pot-luck lunch to follow All donations welcome as an MPN benefit or your own personal benefit. Whichever. Any questions, support, donations comments can be directed to Claire; mpn@klarity.org. Peace. ******Seriously: One or two more volunteers needed to sit with stuff during the three hours. .....I am already teaching nearby during this time! Hello! :)...... *********Please let me know if you can help out. 6. http://www.scientology.org.au/flash/homequote.swf Basic inspirational info. Where does peace on earth begin? 7. http://www. ecodrive.org If you want to do something about global warming and actually cut your usage of gasoline, learn about eco-driving. Eco-driving is a movement to get drivers to cut their gas use by adopting sane driving habits. Yes, you have to drive a little slower, but doing that and following a few other simple tips will make a major contribution to helping global warming and save you money. It also will reduce the number of fatal accidents and accidents with serious bodily injury. http://www.ford.com/en/goodWorks/environment/airAndClimate/ecoDrivingTips.htm (http://www.ford.com/en/goodWorks/environment/airAndClimate/ecoDrivingTips.htm) http://www.ecodrive.org/_ (http://www.ecodrive.org/) 8. Hali i’Maili Community Garden The MPN now has a beautiful large piece of land in the HCG entrance to create a Permaculture Oasis and hold workshops and classes related to Permaculture. MPN Hali i’Maile ground-blessing & site analysis and bamboo shade structure hands-on workshop: June 23rd, Sat. 8am-12noon, and 12noon on: potluck/Abundance Exchange! Donation: $10 members, $12-20 non-members. Plus, June 30th, 11-2: Master Gardeners Q&A See attached pdf invitation. MPN & KLARITY Permaculture Design workshops coming soon. Save these dates: Hali i’Maile Sat. June 23 & Sat. July 28 from 8am-1pm-ish Hali i’Maile Bamboo Garden Art structures building workshop 4-6pm, Thursday, July 12th. 9. Dear God, let us all embrace our true health and wisdom.... Do not use microwaves as they change the molecular structure of food to cancer-causing ridiculousness, but if you MUST...: A. No plastic containers in micro. B. No water bottles in freezer. C. No plastic wrap in microwave. Johns Hopkins has recently sent this out in its newsletters. This information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center as well. Dioxin chemicals causes cancer, especially breast cancer. Dioxins are highly poisonous to the cells of our bodies. Don't freeze your plastic bottles with water in them as this releases dioxins from the plastic. 10. I am in Los Angeles for 4 days, as my friend insisted I come meet the producers of, and see the premier of “11th Hour.” I saw it last night, Leonardo DiCaprio’s new eco-documentary. The truth is illuminating our opportunities to thrive as a global family. Permaculture is key. See it. Moving on up in a new world of love, peace and permaculture, Claire Claire Kellerman Writer/Permaculture Designer Maui Permaculture Network, Founder Freelance writer/photographer for our new paradigm: conducive to living in harmony with nature and each other. www.klarity.org Plant trees, grow your own food forest: Trees allow us to inhabit the earth. Trees support a healthy atmosphere and all life support systems. Trees protect us from creating deserts and drought. Trees provide shade, food, timber, oxygen, habitat, pollen, beauty, love & free hugs. Oh, and maple syrup!

Maui Permaculture Network May 27th Gathering 9am-1pm

http://klarity.gaia.com — Fri, 25 May 2007 19:05:38 GMT

Welcome to a life of abundance and beauty, brought to you by Permaculture Design: Take Hana Hwy to Door of Faith Road, Follow the ART---circle paintings-- will lead you to "The Soul Nest" Permaculture Oasis in Huelo, Maui, Hawaii 9am-12: check-in, updates, Permaculture Principles, Site Tour 12noon - 1pm+ : Abundance Exhchange and Pot Luck of Organic Salads, Trash-Free event Bring your own utensils, cups, plates, bowls. Donations: $10 members, $10-20 non-members. Aloha and Mahalo. Claire KLARITY.org

Re: January 2007 The MPN is flowing into the new year beautifully

http://stretch.gaia.com — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:49:04 GMT

Is the meeting February 25th at Baldwin Beach?

International Quirkyalone Day -- many Maui events

http://giftforyou.gaia.com — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 02:35:56 GMT

International Quirkyalone Day will be celebrated on Maui at many venues throughout this week. Quikyalones (deeply singles), quirkytogethers (couples), quirkysupporters, and people who just want to find out about this growing movement are welcome to come to any of the events. If people are still wondering what this is all about, they can check out: http://quirkyalone.net/qa/about.php
And, take the Quiz: http://quirkyalone.net/qa/quiz.php?c=index
And, learn additional diagnostic signs of a quirkyalone: http://quirkyalone.net/qa/quiz.php?c=additionalsigns
Also, if you havn't already, sign up for the Quirkyalone email updates list by going first to www.quirkyalone.net then click on about, then click on QA EMAIL UPDATES LIST.

Here are our events on Maui from Feb. 14th to the 18th, 2007.
When/Where:

In Paia: at the Fresh Mint restaurant, (at 115 Baldwin Ave, across from the Post Office in Paia town) on International Quirkyalone Day, Wednesday, Feb. 14th, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the evening. Come try the great vegetarian Vietnamese food. http://www.tastyandmeatless.com/restaurant_features/fresh_mint.htm

In Pukalani: at the Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center, (park in the lower parking lot), on Thursday, Feb. 15th, 7:30 p.m., for Country Line Dancing!

In Kihei: at Isana Restaurant and Karaoke Bar (at 515 S. Kihei Rd., close to the Maui Lu), on Friday, Feb. 16th, 9 p.m., for Karaoke singing. I hear it costs $1 per song to sing. http://www.isanarestaurant.net/

In Lahaina: at E & O Trading Co. Southeast Asian Grill (on the parking lot side of the Lahaina Cannery Mall, next to Starbucks), on Saturday, Feb. 17th, from 6 to 8 p.m. With optional dancing to the DJ at 10 p.m. ($10 cover charge after 10 p.m.) or Karaoke singing at 9:30 p.m. at Kobe's restaurant in Lahaina.
http://www.eotrading.com/

In Pukalani: at the Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center, (park in the lower parking lot) on Sunday, Feb. 18th, 5 p.m., for Irish Contra Dancing. Similar to square dancing, contra involves a caller and dancers who do a series of moves in lines.
The event is free; donations will be accepted. Dance lesson taught first, then dancing follows with a live band later in the evening!

We will have at each event as is convenient "Alone-time table,", "Make-your-own-quirkyalone-card-table," classic party games, International Quirkyalone Day cards, and a few fantasy imagination games to play too!

Please RSVP for the specific restaurant(s)/event(s) you will be going to by calling 573-3250.

Where is the beauty? Right here!!

http://klarity.gaia.com — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 08:04:51 GMT

Ponder this and ask how we accept the toxin-laden food in the grocery stores and in restaurants. What are we doing? ... a bright green, highly manicured lawn soaked in imported water and drenched in toxics that flow into our creeks and the ocean isn't really beautiful... FOOD FORESTS NOT LAWNS. ... a gorgeous plate of artistically-presented food full of toxics isn't beautiful ... ORGANIC FOODS NOT CONVENTIONAL SOIL-DEPLETING, ENERGY-WASTING, POISON-LADEN, PEST-INVITING, EXPENSIVE, SUBSIDIZED MONO-CROP ROWS OF TOXIC FOOD. ... hairdos, manicures or face lifts aren't beautiful if they harm the client or the professional who works on her... BEAUTY IS NATURAL. ECO-PRODUCTS ARE ABUNDANTLY AVAILABLE.. ... a mansionized architectural masterpiece isn't beautiful if it uses nonsustainable woods, poisons the house's inhabitants or workmen, covers over every inch of plantable land on the property, becomes an energy-hog or sends a tear-down to the landfill... SEE KLARITY.ORG LYNX PAGE FOR ENDLESS COOL BUILDING METHODS THAT CARE FOR ALL LIFE AND OUR FUTURE! Beauty is not only an aesthetic value, but a quality of experience that we need just as we need clean air and water. Panelists will discuss how... (***Organize a panel discussion and put your city's name here***) ...can become a truly, deep-down beautiful city that is also sustainable. Thank you for visiting this pod. Let me know your success in your area to bring light to these wonders and wonderful opportunities for beautiful change and fulfillment of our unanimous wellbeing personally, locally and globally. Claire KLARITY.org

January 2007 The MPN is flowing into the new year beautifully!

http://klarity.gaia.com — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 21:34:04 GMT

MPN Maui Permaculture Network How does one keep from "growing old inside?" Surely only in community. The only way to make friends with time is to stay friends with people. Taking community seriously not only gives us the companionship we need, it also relieves us of the notion that we are indispensable. ~ Robert McAfee Brown Come with your youthful heart on Sunday, February 4th WHEN & WHERE Sunday, February 4th beginning at 2:30 Baldwin Beach Cove Claire’s Vz Mobile #: 808-344-1228 COME AND ENJOY ...friends, potluck lunch, heart sharing, a beach walk, wisdom, music, and an "Inspirational Circle" where you can share something real, something inspirational, read a poem, sing a song... or just relax and listen. The purpose of our gatherings is to celebrate and cultivate community in our lives, while enjoying the peace of demonstrating the abundance and beauty of permaculture personally, locally and globally... and all are welcome. BRING A potluck dish to share, keiki trees, cuttings, organic garden and orchard goodies, your kids, your friends and anything you may feel delighted to share in the circle. DETAILS Please arrive around 2:00pm. Our circle will begin at 3:00pm and will last approximately 2 hours. Afternoon meal and further connection will immediately follow the circle. We kindly request that you make every effort to arrive by 3:00 at the latest so the circle can begin with all in attendance. CHILDREN Kids are welcome to play and hang out. Younger children will need supervision. DIRECTIONS Baldwin Beach Cove, to the right as you walk towards the ocean “Follow the art” circle paintings FUTURE MPN GATHERINGS Sunday, February 25 date undecided: Ono Farms, Hana-----Roadtrip! PLANT of the MONTH (Thanks to everyone who came Sunday. This is a new idea offered by Lorinda, so we can share our knowledge and our garden pleasures.) Please send submissions for this section. A little write-up about a plant you have enjoyed growing on Maui. I will include a new one or two every month. FARM TOURS on Maui wanted Please let me know if you would like to invite the MPN for a Farm Tour day at your farm or land. We can so site design visioning on new farms and land, fun-work-play days for hands-on learning on progressing farms, and/or pot lucks; sharing cuttings, keiki fruit trees and inspiration on more mature permaculture farms. NEW ALLIANCES: Friends of The MPN Current TV (Al Gore’s TV channel and website) current.tv HOFA http://www.hawaiiorganicfarmers.org/ Maui Tomorrow http://maui-tomorrow.org/ Ono Farms in Hana http://www.onofarms.com/index.html Pemaculture Credit Union http://pcuonline.org/index.html Rising Tide Sierra Club http://www.sierraclub.org/ http://www.surfrider.org/maui/ Sustainability Club of MCC Community Garden at MCC http://www.whisperingwindsbamboo.com/ MANIFESTATIONS IN PROGRESS Submit to: sell stuff, offer free stuff, request stuff, car pool, etc. Feb. 4th MPN gathering: carpool with Claire from Huelo, if you like, or pick up on Hana, email: mpn@klarity.org to arrange In Progress: KLARITY projects “Eco-pages” Eco-Maui Directory & laminated map... submissions wanted, fee depends on ad to include contacts for every organic, GMO-free resource, farm & market, friends of MPN, all permaculture-related healthy choices, and fun things to do and places to go. MCC Sustainability class, including Permaculture Principles & Maui Permaculture plan... INSPIRATIONS Town in Ireland takes on Permaculture students’ plan to get off oil: ask Claire for document. Portland, Oregon creates plan to get off oil : ask Claire for document See funny and poetic Lewes, UK video on global warming causes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKY2H2yOcP8

Re: wanted: Pond plants

http://klarity.gaia.com — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 08:19:33 GMT

Oh my, I have been so out of town; see blog about world tour at KLARITY.org, for complete explanation for my deepest apology for this delayed reply....I have water hyacinth, and I'd be happy to talk when I return. I'll be back around Jan 10th...or so. Peace, Claire

Re: I will harvest your coconuts

http://klarity.gaia.com — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 08:17:39 GMT

Oh God, I can't believe this...Dear God! I mean, Dear Adam, I have been remiss, well, not intentionally, just navigating whirlwind world touring; Sept 29th I was in New Zealand, and on my way to Italy, after leaving Australia ...Landing back on Maui Nov 2nd to incredible complications, I chose to simplify things by staying quiet in the peace of my home. As my 55 days of global touring and writing required 10-20 hours of computer-face- time, I chose to turn the blessed tool off, mostly, to learn about living in the fullness which is my current transformation. I left to visit Los Angeles Dec 20. Please forgive my delayed reply. My best friend on Maui, Melissa, and I are completely and unashamedly addicted to coconuts and my community is lined with tempation that drives us mad as we walk our dogs staring up at the skyfull of cocos! We would be most appreciative to share and hang out when I return, Jan 10, or later....I may stay a bit longer....I have an appointment with Al Gore's Current TV to share my work, so wish me well and send me your phone number or call me 808-344-1228 anytime. We worship you and your coconut-retrieving willingness. Thank you for the suggestion. Aloha from Los Angeles, Claire

I will harvest your coconuts

http://YogaMonkey.gaia.com — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 20:24:59 GMT

I can climb as long as the trunk is fairly dry. If not, then I could use a latter if it's short enough. I personally use them to make smoothies (cocunut, noni, papaya, banana, aloe - yum), give them to friends, sell them to tourists, etc. I'm upcountry.

Representation at the Maui Fair

http://YogaMonkey.gaia.com — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 20:19:09 GMT

I was surprised to see 4 - 5 booths setup at the Maui fair to "educate" the local populace on the "wonderful benefits" of biotechnology. We already know the organizations, no point listing them. The information they were presenting was very skewed, using such terms as "bio diversity" to describe GMO foods - wholesale disinformation on an unsuspecting audience. Although it made me feel good to share my opinion with the workers at these booths, I know that it's not effective - they're just making a quick buck, not caring too much about it, while the decision makers who push this stuff are off eating babies, or whatever it is they get off on.

Where are the organic representatives that write into the liberal papers all of the time? The people that read those papers usually already know about GMOs. The maui fair would be the perfect place to expand the message to the people who have NO IDEA AT ALL what biotechnology is, let alone organic food or permaculture. They don't know that this stuff is ruining the island.

I would be happy to volunteer my time at a booth that promoted organic/permaculture farming methods, I just don't have the funds - I'm not even sure how much a booth would cost. Would anyone else be interested in helping to organize funds for next year's fair? This would also give us enough time to even create a video, prepare information, and list organizations/farms that are healthy for them and the island.

ps. make sure when you do go to the fair to let the ones at the biotech booths know that you don't appreciate their activities on our island.

Permaculture Networking & Certification Course

http://permaculturecommunity.gaia.com — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 00:53:56 GMT

I'm on the Big Island, in a community called La'akea and we're looking to network with others who are interested in sustainability and living in harmony with each other and the land. We're also having a certification course this November that I wanted you to know about. I'm especially interested in any ideas folks have regarding alternative building methods and what can really work here in the wet tropics. Mahalo, Tracy

Permaculture Design Course
November 3-17, 2006

Offered By – La’akea Community & Permaculture Gardens
PO Box 1071
Pahoa, HI 96778
Contact Person – Tracy Matfin
Phone - (808) 443-4076
email – Tracy at info@permaculture-hawaii.com
Course Fee - $1,000- $1,500 (sliding scale, please pay according to income) - includes delicious vegetarian, non-vegetarian and raw foods made from a mix of farm-fresh foods & local cuisine.
Course Format - A connective 14-day hands-on intensive! This two-week permaculture design certification course includes lectures, plenty of "hands in the dirt" experience, field trips, team design projects, and experienced guest instructors to provide an exceptional learning opportunity.
Course Location – La’akea Community, Big Island - Hawaii
Course Instructor(s) (and Others)- Lead Instructor: Sarah Sullivan; Assistants: Tracy, Dona, Biko, Judy (La’akea residents); Local Guests: Nancy Redfeather & Jerry, Piper Selden, Mushroom John & Nicky, Elijah Smith, Lee Parish of Bamboo Solutions, Lyn

Course Description - Are you ready to make the change in your life that represents your commitment to the health of our earth and human culture? We welcome you to join us for an experience that will bring this change into reality- the Permaculture Design Course at La’akea Gardens.

You will learn about renewable energies, edible landscaping, local self reliance, aquaculture, alternative building, and many other topics that will stimulate your own ability to live in a manner that is appropriate for the sustainability of the earth and a thriving human culture. Also, you will learn the skills necessary to design Permaculture landscapes for yourself and others, such as reading the landscape, mapping, design and implementation.

Our resident member community is trained in Permaculture and residents have worked on implementing systems at La’akea Gardens for many years. During your stay at La’akea Gardens, you will have the opportunity to become part of the community.

La’akea is located in a beautiful native ohia rainforest on the Big Island of Hawai’i. We are ten miles as the I’o flies from Kilauea volcano (the most active volcano site on earth), and near black sand beaches, natural steam vents, and other Hawaiian treasures that we dare not mention until you arrive. Also, we are among a network of other Permaculture farms you will have the opportunity to visit. We especially welcome any local residents.

wanted: Pond plants

http://greenacres.gaia.com — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 07:16:14 GMT

Hey fellow Maui permaculturists-does anyone have water lilys, lotus, water hyacinth, submerged plants, etc. I will buy or trade for fruit, natives, succulants, bromeliads, etc.

Organic Certification-Most Common Mistakes

http://klarity.gaia.com — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 08:29:19 GMT

Alfred Wylie, MPN member and Maui resident since 1975, grew all the food for his now-well-grown family. He offers us much wisdom on organics and these helpful facts to share about Organic Certification. ~~Most Common Mistakes~~ Made by certified crop operators and/or certification applicants* Compiled by Jim Riddle Certifier relations: Getting a product or practice approved by a certifier, but not getting the approval in writing, and then misunderstanding the "approva.l" Failure to submit requested documentation to the certifier (such as prior land use forms, non-GMO letters, adjoining land use forms, water test results, etc.) Not understanding and/or not complying with certification requirements (minor non-compliances) from the previous year. Failure to complete required paperwork on time, or at all. Not registering with the state organic program, if applicable. Failure to pay certification and/or inspection fees. Non-approved inputs: Use of non-approved substances (incl. treated seeds), due to negligence and/or not understanding the requirements. Use of non-approved substances, due to trusting an input supplier who gave assurances that the material was "approved" for organic farming. Failure to inquire about the GMO status of inputs, especially inoculants and Bt products. Not having documentation of non-GMO status of inputs, including seeds, inoculants, and Bt products. The farmer does not correctly calculate the amount of time from the last date of prohibited inputs used - and the required 36 months have not passed. The farmer then wrongly thinks that the present year's crop will be saleable as certified organic, when it is not certifiable. Documentation of approved inputs: Failure to obtain adequate documentation for purchase of approved inputs. Failure to document attempts to source organic seeds. Record keeping: Lack of adequate detail or clarity on field maps and/or use of inaccurate maps. Field maps which do not show acres, field numbers, and/or adjoining land uses. Not keeping field activity records up to date. Failure to keep seed and input labels and receipts in an organized and accessible manner. Failing to keep records for contracted services, such as planting, spraying, harvesting, and/or trucking. Failure to keep bin records up to date. Not recording field numbers on harvest and/or storage records. Not using lot numbers or not using a consistent lot numbering system. Not providing adequate documentation to buyers when organic products are sold. Not keeping records of steps taken to inspect and clean transport units. Not maintaining adequate records for operations with both organic and conventional production. Organic plan: Failure to follow the operation's organic plan. Filing "renewal" farm plans with entries marked "No Change", when there have been significant changes, such as new leased or purchased fields, discontinued leases, sub-divided fields, new crops, new inputs, changes to field numbers, changes to lot numbering system, etc. Commingling and contamination: Failure to properly clean harvesting equipment and/or storage units, resulting in commingling or contamination of organic crop. Failure to segregate crops harvested from buffer zones. Lack of cleaning logs for spray equipment that is also used for prohibited inputs. Work area contamination for post harvest handling (e.g. washing vegetables, cutting vegetables, packing vegetables, etc.) Mislabeling or mishandling of crop by mistake by workers who are not fully informed of organic certification requirements. Misapplication of prohibited materials by workers who are not fully informed of organic certification requirements. No GMO drift management plan - not knowing where the nearest GMO fields are located. Failure to inform highway departments and/or other authorities that land adjacent to organic fields should not be sprayed (or sign no-spray agreements when these are available). Failure to post no-spray signs when and where these would add protection. *Based on information provided by members of the Independent Organic Inspectors Association and the OTA's Organic Certifiers Council. Compiled January 18, 2002, by James A. Riddle, Organic Independents, Winona, MN, USA.

Re: Comments from Zaadzsters around the world

http://klarity.gaia.com — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 19:58:47 GMT

Treating water as a precious resource: This sent by my friend in SB. In view of the glacier shrinkage and dramatic climate disruption all over the world, I think we all need to learn the practical techniques of water and rain harvesting -- how to build on-contour berms and terraces in our gardens to capture and retain water so we can grow food instead of lawns, install permeable driveways and lobby the city to install permeable concrete only from now on! We also need to change city codes so we can capture greywater from laundry and baths instead of flushing it down the drains. And composting toilets will become necessary -- it makes no sense to use drinkable water to flush waste down sewers and pay tax money for expensive processing of this waste instead of safely processing it on site and turning it into fertilizer! I highly recommend "Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands" by Brad Lancaster of Tucson, AZ. All the technology (relatively simple) we need has been invented. We just have to put it in place. Larry and I just took the Permaculture Design Course and learned a lot of the basics, and are glad to have the information. Water expert Art Ludwig has endless resources about water at www.oasis.net. Let's learn what we need to learn, so we'll be able to live comfortably with less water. Right now we're just wasting and contaminating a precious resource. Linda Buzzell-Saltzman For the Future www.forthefuture.org

MPN Bulletin Board; Community events & films.

http://klarity.gaia.com — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 17:48:47 GMT

GMO-FREE MAUI's Summer Film Series PRESENTS: Pandora's Seed: GMOs in Hawai`i Nei TUESDAY, Aug. 8th at 7 pm Made by GMO-Free Maui, this film is the first Hawaii-centric film on GMOs. Featuring experts in the fields of agricultural education, science and public health, farming, law and litigation and two prominent citizen activists, Pandora's Seed raises serious questions about the genetic manipulation of our food and Hawaii's pivotal role in the national and international GMO debate. (49 min.) BONUS! Dr. Hector Valenzuela of UH Manoa's College of Tropical Agriculture & Human Resources, along with Dr. Lorrin Pang, MD MPH, Public Health Specialist will be there to answer questions! Don't miss this opportunity! FRIDAY, August 25th, 7 pm: Manoomin: Wild Rice & the Ojibwe People, a beautiful 22 min. film by Terese Konechne focuses on the ecological and cultural importance of wild rice, or Manoomin. Native Indian communities harvest wild rice, following the traditions of their ancestors. As in Hawai`i with taro, their sacred crop is being threatened with genetic manipulation and patenting. Hidden Dangers in Kids' Meals: Genetically Engineered Foods, is a 28 min. film by Jeffrey Smith, author of the best-selling Seeds of Deception. Shocking research results, inadequate regulations and warnings from eminent scientists explain why GE foods are dangerous and should be removed from kids' meals. The dramatic story of how student behavior in a Wisconsin school was transformed with a healthy diet adds motivation to make a change. Both events are at Mayor Hanibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani (downstairs) FREE ADMISSION *Light Refreshments* Info: 572-1865 gmofreemaui@hawaii.rr.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Stevo's Practical Permaculture Class #1

http://klarity.gaia.com — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 17:31:56 GMT

Claire's copious notes during July 20, 2006 class. I'll be adding them as I have time... I did my best to catch every word as Stevo shared his experience of creating his oasis of abundant food and incredible beauty over 18 years on his 5 acres, starting with the soil. I hope this is helpful: Start small. Look at our intention in the growing food, being in the garden: See how our common interest in growing good food aligns with universal intention. We have much working for us for our success in the garden. Recognizing how the universal intelligence moves into life assists our endeavors. Use elementals: earth/rock, fire/sun, water, air Fungi symbiosis, microbes don't need photosynthesis. They form a basic relationship with plants, form web or network around plant roots, bridge between inorganic to organic. We need to create optimal conditions for network of fungi and microbes. Ordinariily, we do not see damage we do by flipping, digging and rototilling the soil,, but we set soil networks back every time we disturb it. When you first are starting a bed, it may be necessary to work the soil in such a way. That is fine. To get started: Break it up to set stage once or twice is fine. (Every time you flip it, it will compact more and more and it will get harder and harder. After microbe dies, plants absorb nutrients from dead microbes. Aerate without damaging the network. (Maui-specific: Soil from sugar cane property is silt, so if you buy soil from there, make sure it is composted to include more richness of nutrients.) Terrace structure optimizes flow of nutrients and water to plants. Praise COMFREY: Stevo has used comfrey throughout his land as it is extremely rich in nitrogen and the soil needed a lot fo enriching on Stevo's land to begin with. Comfrey has a great volume of leaves; good for mulch Amount of biomass is phenomenal. Food source for microbes. Easy to keep healthy and vital. Pests: white flies, slugs, etc... If comfrey gets pest-infestation, cut it to the base, and the pests will be gone. Put leaves that have the pest eggs on a "hot" compost pile. Heat kills everything: wheat seeds, pathogens, pest eggs, fungus Toads are great for controlling slugs. Stevo said he saw a toad pursuing a slug and Stevo has no slug problem and about 100 toads near his garden and ponds. Goats can feed on comfrey. Compost: Comfrey gives high nitrogen, as much as soy beans. Comfrey is a high calcium accumulator. Tea and Toilet paper are other uses for Comfrey! Helpful hint: The younger the comfrey the softer the leaves. PIONEER PLANTS: Legumes are an excellent pioneer plant. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~More soon, yoga now. ~ Claire of KLARITY.org

Re: Comments from Zaadzsters around the world

http://klarity.gaia.com — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 17:09:11 GMT

Ginger gave me permission to add her email to me. Here is my reply: Very sweet of you to write to me, Ginger. Mahalo!! I am so far the only person at the stand, but that’s because I am simply “planting the seed.” Tomorrow is our 2nd one! It is a no-brainer. We need organics in Haiku. Paia is a long drive and I have the perfect location on Hana Highway. I couple of MPN friends have offered to show up tomorrow and I am going to pick greens for an hour before the market, so I still need to gather more farmers, and produce, and art made on Maui, but for now I will just be there and get the word out. I am sure it will grow and grow as time goes on. I hope to expand, and strengthen the aina ("land" in Hawaiian), the families, and the health and regenerative living for those who care to enjoy such a luxury. Aloha, Claire

Comments from Zaadzsters around the world

http://klarity.gaia.com — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 17:06:36 GMT

I'm sooo happy to see you're having a market in Maui. I found the announcement on Zaadz. In 1990 I was in Hanalei Bay on Kauai. I was struck by the fact that there were no roadside stands where you could get fruits and veggies. The veggies at the market were grossly overpriced and I couldn't stomach the idea of mainland produce anyway! I then started looking at the yards of the actual residents and saw no vegetable gardens. It really struck me as odd and I wondered if it had something to do with the monocultures and plantations, or what. Culturally I don't know if Hawaiians would have accepted agrarian habits (mainland natives generally didn't) but the Japanese influence being what it is, and the fact that they're hardcore gardeners, I thought, would've made vegetable gardening common. I hope your market is not the only one in the islands. Good luck. Ginger Ginger Baird Wireman Richland, WA 99352 509-627-0877 "Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." Helen Keller

"Random Bits" for Inspiration

http://klarity.gaia.com — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 21:59:57 GMT

The MPN is a group aligned and united around Permaculture Ethics and learning to live the principles in our gardens and the gardens of our lives. I really appreciate this quote our Philosopher king Brian of Zaadz offered: “Dare to conceive of greater things for yourself. Dare to see yourself as strong, confident, successful, and possessed of the patience and stability to keep on moving in the direction of your dreams." [As James Allen wrote:] “Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream you shall become. Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be. Your idea is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil.” ~Eric Butterworth Source: Spiritual Economics: The Principles and Process of True Prosperity, Page: 65 Contributed by: Brian Johnson. This is a great reminder to get back on course whenever I stray. Thank you, Brian! For Zaadz and this quote. Love, Claire KLARITY.org

Upcoming Classes

http://klarity.gaia.com — Sun, 23 Jul 2006 03:35:26 GMT

Maui Permaculture Network Stevo’s Hands-On Class at Stevo's Farm in Haiku, Maui, Hawaii 4 Classes/ 4 Sundays: 9am – 1:00-ish RSVP by 7/29 to Stevo: 808-572-8299 Time: Arrive & settle in: 8:30am Classes start on time: 9:00am Pot Luck after 3 – 3.5 hours of hands-on learning. 12:30-ish: potluck lunch. Clean-up help welcome. Bring: Please bring organic salads, fruits and veggies, and "pupus" (snacks in hawaiian) to share. This is a trash-free event. Also, please bring your own utensils, chop sticks, plates, bowls, plates, cups. Our first trash-free event at Stevo’s was very successful. Stevo’s farm was left in wonderful shape and he was very happy with how the farm was so well cared for and respected, even with 70 people enjoying the land and kitchen. Thanks for your help everyone!! :) Tools: Bring shovels, hand tools, gloves, rakes, hoses, sickles, whatever you have to use. Cost: $30. Per class/per person. Cash only. Dates & Topics for each class: 1st Class: July 30, 2006: Vegetable bed preparation/Seep propagation 2nd Class: August 6, 2006: Compost Building/Cover Cropping 3rd Class: August 13: Fruit Tree Planting 4th Class: August 20: Site Design: Basic Garden and Orchard Lay-out