Closed-door negotiations underway on Hawaii Island

WAIKOLOA – Protesters plan to make their presence known at the Waikoloa resorts this weekend, where the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade negotiations are underway.

A delegation from Jim Albertini’s Malu ‘Aina Center For Non-violent Education & Action has already challenged security on their right to protest the closed door meetings.

Here is what Albertini had to say this week on the ongoing action, which began earlier this week:

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. 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. 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. 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.” Jim Albertini on March 10, 2015

Albertini said they encountered delegates to the negotiations along the King’s Trial.

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.” I sensed a number of the delegates felt shame in what they were doing. Jim Albertini on March 10, 2015

A large protest of the TPP talks is planned for March 14th in Waikoloa. It will take place at Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway entrance to Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort. Aloha ‘Aina boat and canoe ocean flotilla pickets are also encouraged.

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