An estimated 1,000 people gathered today on Hilo’s Bayfront to protest Monsanto’s presence on the Big Island, and to take a stand against genetically modified organisms (GMO). Photos mostly courtesy of Marielle Leeds. Protestors who parked on the lawn near the Kamehameha Statue were ticketed. Those photos courtesy of Julie Allen Paul. 
March 16th, 2013 at 10:07 pm
Thanks for the update Julie. Now lets make sure we get as many people registered to vote as we can before the next election.
We need to make some changes. We need more like Puna’s own Senator Russel Ruderman leading the way for so many important issues. Lets elect some more people that listen to people instead of special interest.
Mahalo Senator Russel Ruderman, great job at the legislature this year. You really have shown great courage in standing tall against special interest.
Finally a voice for the people of Puna.
March 17th, 2013 at 11:15 am
What an empowering event! How empowering it is to stand together as one! Keep the momentum strong!
Those who got parking tickets, please contact AlohaUprising@gmail.com to fight it as a team. Do NOT pay the tickets. Atrocious to target protesters. Shame!
March 17th, 2013 at 1:15 pm
I guess the county officials showed how they feel about people saying how they feel about our environment being ruined, but that should be no surprise when the county and state continue to douse our roadsides with poison with no regard for the safety of its citizens and health of the land.
March 17th, 2013 at 2:14 pm
The state loves to make money any way they can… Glad to see all the activists for positive change for our food supply.
March 17th, 2013 at 2:27 pm
I am missing something. Folks park regularly in grassy areas of Bayfront, Why did they ticket this time? An explanation is certainly in order!
March 17th, 2013 at 9:47 pm
Don’t shoot the messenger… but I received the following in response to these marches:
http://damontucker.com/2013/03/16/hawaii-crop-improvement-association-statement-on-anti-gmo-marches-across-the-state/
March 18th, 2013 at 1:29 pm
the event was most inspiring…….i dont think the spectacle of the show off dreaded longhairs pounding drums in the middle of the intersection was helpful…what was the purpose of the march? so hippies can do their antics in public? …and no way was this traffic safety….does this behavior more suitable for kehena beach undercut the important message here?remember hilo is a relatively conservative town…do the local people warm up to the spectacle or are they alienated ….otherwise i thought the event was awesome….dicaimer- i am a longhaired LOCAL…..
March 23rd, 2013 at 9:21 pm
Long haired or not, people should be free to express themselves. I thought these young people’s energy toward the cause was fabulous.