Insights on PBS Hawaii will not be seen tonight, due to cancellations by pro-GMO guests.

Here is a statement from program host Dan Boylan:

Aloha, I’m Dan Boylan. Tonight, Insights on PBS Hawaii had planned to hold a civil discussion on whether genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, have a place in Hawaii agriculture.Hours ago, we received word that the two pro-GMO guests who agreed to be here would not appear.  They are State Senate Agriculture Chair Clarence Nishihara and papaya grower Ken Kamiya. The reasons for the cancellations were not made clear to us, but a spokesperson for the pro-GMO Hawaii Crop Improvement Association referred to a “miscommunication.”

Over the past few hours, we extended invitations to other pro-GMO representatives and biotech scientists, but those we reached at the late hour would not agree to be present. Earlier, pro-GMO organizations were also invited to participate in tonight’s program, but they all declined.  They are the Hawaii Crop Improvement Association, Monsanto, Dow Agro-Science, Pioneer Hi-Bred.

Insights on PBS Hawaii is presented on the premise that diverse viewpoints yield understanding.  With only the anti-GMO point of view represented by Kauai Councilman Gary Hooser and Kokua Market general manager Lynette Larson, we are left with only one side of the discussion. In this situation, we cannot present Insights in a way that honors diverse viewpoints.

We are disappointed that we could not present a discussion on this important topic in a live setting with multiple viewpoints.

Instead, please enjoy an encore showing of a documentary featuring Keola Beamer. Mahalo.

For more information, please contact Roy Kimura at (808) 799-3505.

Photo: Keola Beamer. (Charles Haynes)

—Chad Blair