Joan Conrow (Kauai Eclectic) had some astute comments last week about the strange alliance of anti-GMO activists and Hawaiians seeking to protect Mauna Kea by blocking construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope.

Someone left this astute comment on a recent post that featured photographs of mostly white people blowing pu to protest global trade talks under way at a luxurious Kaanapali hotel:

Not that long ago, the protest would be about the resort in the background of that pu photo.

But now, thanks to the influence of the anti-GMO/anti-agriculture movement, tourism is the friend and farming is the enemy.

The latest offspring of the strange union between the anti-GMO/anti-ag/pro-tourism movement and some Hawaiian groups is Sunday’s Aloha Aina Unity March.

She quoted from the Facebook page set up to promote the march.

By marching in Waikiki, the hub of the tourism industry, one goal we hope to achieve is to call attention to the fact that if our policy makers continue on this trend of over-development and exploitation of natural resources, Hawaii will undoubtedly lose its appeal as a picturesque tourist destination.

Then added her own biting comment:

And maintaining and promoting Hawaii as “a picturesque tourist destination” is now compatible with the goals of the Hawaiian sovereignty movement and the concept of aloha aina? When did that happen?

There are definitely some built-in contradictions here. I think you’ll find Joan’s full post worth pondering (“Musings: Kapakahi Kine“).