Regarding: Protesters win right to protest TPP on the Waikoloa Shoreline and Kings Trail in preparation for a larger protest on Sat. March 14th from 11-1PM
Photos below by Danny Li taken at Waikoloa today March 10, 2015
Security officer Richard Kornfield and Malu ‘Aina president Jim Albertini
Press Release for Immediate Release Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Regarding: Protesters win right to protest TPP on the Waikoloa Shoreline and Kings Trail in preparation for a larger protest on Sat. March 14th from 11-1PM
further contact: Jim Albertini of Malu ‘Aina 966-7622, email ja@malu-aina.org
“A delegation from Malu ‘Aina today won the right to protest the Secret TPP trade negotiations taking place at the Waikoloa Marriottt and Hilton resorts the week of March 9-15, by big corporations and representatives from 12 countries” said Jim Albertini of Malu Aina. Albertini said, “today was a ‘test the waters” so to speak, to affirm people’s right to protest on the shoreline and the Kings Trail in the Waikoloa resort area, as well as on the highway fronting the resort.” Albertini said, ” after an initial shoreline protest fronting the Hilton Waikoloa, our delegation was confronted by security officer, Richard Kornfield of Jan Guard security for Waikoloa (phone 329-1313) on the public access road to the shoreline fronting the Waikoloa Beach Marriott at ‘Anaeho’omalu Bay. Officer Kornfield initially tried to block our protest. (Photo available upon request.) We asserted our public access and free speech rights to the high wash of the high seasonal surf on the shoreline and also on the Kings trail as legitimate places of peaceful protest surrounded by private property. Officer Kornfield originally told us we had to protest in at least four feet of water from the low tide mark of the shoreline. He later came back and said after checking with higher ups, his definition of the shoreline was wrong, and he also yielded on our right to protest on the King’s Trail.”
Albertini said “At our noontime signing holding along the King’s Trail where it intersects the main road to the Waikoloa resorts we encountered a number of TPP meeting delegates from several of the 12 countries represented, including Japan, Australia, Vietnam, etc. Some of the delegates walking by the King’s trail on the sidewalk near the King and Queen’s Marketplace tried to hide their TPP badges. Some of our signs read: “No TPP –Backroom deal; License to Steal.” TPP kills Jobs, TPP Kills Nature, TPP Kills Home Rule, TPP – Corporate Cout d’etat. No TPP–People Power not 1% Rule.” Albertini said, “I sensed a number of the delegates felt shame in what they were doing.”
Albertini said, “a Hilo community free forum open to the public on the subject of TPP will be held on Wednesday, March 11th beginning at 6PM at the Hilo Women’s Club, 7 Lele St. off Waianuenue Ave. Speakers at that forum will include Juliet Begley, Americans for Democratic Action, Hawaii Island, Palikapu Dedman, Pele Defense Fund and Ohana Ho’opakele, Hawaii Island, and Dr. Jane Kelsey, University of Auckland, New Zealand. A Kona free forum open to the public will be held on Friday, March 13th 6PM at the Council Chambers, West Hawaii Civic Center 74-5044 Ane Keohakalole Highway in Kailua-Kona and will include additional speakers: Sanya Reid-Smith, Third World Network, Malaysia and Eric Gill, UNITE HERE, Local 5!, Honolulu.”
Albertini said “on Sat. March 14th there will be An Aloha ‘Aina Day of Action Against TPP and for FOR HOME RULE, SOVEREIGNTY, DEMOCRACY AND TRANSPARENCY. The peaceful protest will take place from 11-1PM at the Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway entrance to Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort.” Albertini also said, “Aloha ‘Aina Peaceful pickets of TPP are also encouraged throughout the week of March 9-15, on the highway fronting the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort, along the King’s Trail near the King and Queen’s Marketplaces, and on the public shoreline fronting the Waikoloa Beach Marriott and Hilton Hotels. Aloha ‘Aina boat and canoe ocean flotilla pickets are also encouraged.”
Albertini said, “there is some information about the dangerous implications of TPP on the www.malu-aina.org website. A very good 2 minute video by former U.S. Labor Secretary, Robert Reich explaining TPP can be seen here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3O_Sbbeqfdw
Albertini said, “the community forums and the March 14th protest of TPP on Hawaii Island are being organized by an ad hoc committee of citizens. Those involved extend an open invitation to all residents and visitors to join the peaceful events and ask for others to pass the word about the events on the flyer below. Mahalo and aloha.”
Top-secret international TPP
talks
to take place March 9-15 at
Waikoloa Beach Marriott
ALOHA ‘AINA “DAY OF ACTION” AGAINST TPP &
- TPP will offshore millions of good-paying jobs to low-wage nations, undercutting working conditions globally and increasing unemployment.
- TPP will expand pharmaceutical monopoly protections and institute longer patents that will decrease access to affordable medications
- TPP will potentially limit GMO Home Rule laws, GMO labeling, and allow the import of goods that do not meet US safe standards.
- TPP will encourage the privatization of lands and natural resources in areas where indigenous people live.
- TPP will roll back Wall Street regulations, and prohibit bans on risky financial services.
