Agriculture firm to stage open house on Kaua'i

By Sean Hao
Advertiser Staff Writer

•	Pioneer Open House What: Pioneer Hi-Bred International will provide tours, information briefings, lunch and children's activities When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nov. 22 Where: 1-385 Kaumuali'i Highway in Waimea, Kaua'i Information: (808) 338-8300

The event, which includes tours, information briefings, live music and lunch, aims to give residents "an understanding of why Pioneer is here and what sort of work is being done in crop improvement here in Hawai'i," said Cindy Goldstein, a Pioneer spokeswoman. "The whole idea (is) about being open with the public about what sorts of plants are being grown and what sorts of activities are going on and to answer questions the public has."

Pioneer has been in Hawai'i since 1968 and employs about 200 people statewide. At its Waimea Research Center, the company develops and evaluates new varieties of corn, soybean and sunflower. Some of that work involves genetically modified crop research to improve crop yields, among other purposes.

Goldstein said a similar open house will likely be held on O'ahu early next year.

The public relations effort follows several high-profile events involving Pioneer's Hawai'i operations. In April, the Environmental Protection Agency fined Pioneer Hi-Bred, a division of DuPont, $72,000 for failing to immediately report a test that showed genetically modified corn pollen might have contaminated other plants at the company's Waimea Research Station.

Last year, Pioneer also was fined $9,900 after EPA agents discovered the company had broken environmental rules in planting its experimental corn. Pioneer also was cleared of violations in a Hawai'i incident in which corn, genetically designed to resist a pest, got mixed up with neighboring crops.

Reach Sean Hao at shao@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8093.