As Closed Door, Multi-National Negotiations Held On Big Island

HILO – A community forum was held in Hilo Wednesday night on the subject of the Trans-Pacific Partnership – a proposed regional regulatory and investment treaty involving twelve countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region currently in negotiations. This week, those negotiations are reportedly being conducted, behind closed doors, at the posh Waikoloa resorts. It was a great opportunity for those opposed to the TPP to speak out.

Jim Albertini of the Malu ‘Aina Center For Non-violent Education & Action helped organize the forum. Here is the full audio from the three featured speakers.

Juliet Begley

Juliet Begley, Americans for Democratic Action, Hawaii Island

Dr. Jane Kelsey

Dr. Jane Kelsey, University of Auckland, New Zealand

Palikapu Dedman

Palikapu Dedman of Pele Defense Fund and Ohana Hoopakele.

Action Planned For Saturday

Protesters plan to make their presence known at the Waikoloa resorts this weekend. From Albertini:

ALOHA ‘AINA “DAY OF ACTION” AGAINST TPP &

FOR HOME RULE, SOVEREIGNTY, DEMOCRACY AND TRANSPARENCY
Saturday, March 14, 11:00-1:00 p.m.
Peaceful Protest to take place at
Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway entrance to Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort
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 Hotel. Aloha ‘Aina boat and canoe ocean flotilla pickets are also encouraged