Maui Residents Hold Cane Burning Forum, Demand Change
KIHEI, HI – Distressed Maui residents are holding a free public event where Hawaiian leaders,
doctors, and scientists will discuss cane burning from a historical/cultural perspective, its impact
on public health, the environment, and our economy. “The corporate right to pollute and burn
ends where your right to breathe begins. This is literally sickening,” said Maui resident Dr. Joe
Ritter. The meeting will take place at Kihei Community Center, 303 E Lipoa St. on Thursday,
June 25 at 6:30pm.
“People have the right to breathe clean air,” said former state senate candidate Terez Amato. Her
son experienced a life threatening asthma attack triggered by the May 27 sugarcane burn that
blanketed Kihei and sent suffocating school children running for shelter with their faces covered.
“Senator Baker claims cane smoke is just a nuisance and that the people of West Maui would
welcome the cane smoke back in their neighborhoods. Baker divisively says newcomers just
don’t understand. Her attitude is appalling, health is not just a malihini issue,” Amato said.
“Breathing is not optional. The people of Maui deserve to have their health concerns addressed.”
Attendees will learn about cane smoke effects and how to log bad burns where ground level
smoke is affecting people. They’ll be guided step–by–step through the easy process of filing
Ereports sent directly to the State Department of Health, EPA, and HC&S using the “Clean Air
Maui” smartphone app developed by local nonprofit Maui Tomorrow.
“The Department of Health ordered an end to cane burning in 1971, citing respiratory disease
caused by cane smoke.” said Deborah Mader, cocreator of this event. “Harmful effects have
been known for decades, yet the current DOH allows HC&S to continually perform permit
violating burns. We are fighting to protect the community from toxic smoke.”
Pa‘ia resident Karen Chun who formed StopCaneBurning.org said, “There’s nothing scarier than
rushing a limp toddler to the hospital as she gasps for breath from HC&S smoke. Are we going
to let HC&S keep doing this until one of our children dies?”
When asked about moving Amato said, “As a single mom, I can’t afford to move; and we
shouldn’t have to move or sacrifice our lives just so a corporation can make money.”
The group has invited the State Department of Health, the EPA and all local elected officials to
attend. Those interested in learning more can visit www.StopCaneBurning.org, email
[email protected], or visit Facebook.com/groupsStopBurningCane/.
