Hawaiian varieties of taro will not be used in any University of Hawaii genetic engineering research until native Hawaiians advise scientists about cultural concerns, a university dean said yesterday.

The promise is an attempt to stave off controversy and foster dialogue between the university and the native Hawaiian community, said Andrew Hashimoto, dean of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.

The dialogue is expected to take place through a process being organized by the Royal Order of Kamehameha on all islands.

To solidify the promise, Hashimoto signed a one-page statement about the university's intentions with taro research yesterday at a taro patch at the UH Center for Hawaiian Studies.

I am All'i Sir Paul K. Neves K.G.C.K., the Ali'i 'Aimoku of the Royal Order of Kamehameha 1 based here in Hilo. I have been asked to comment on how our letter of clarification ties into the recent headlines concerning genetically modified kalo. I speak now on behalf of my Ali'i Nui, Ali'i Sir Herman Kana'e K.G.C.K.

The person or persons who are calling themselves the Royal Order of Kamehameha 1 are in fact not. They are using the name Royal Order of Kamehameha 1 against the wishes of the chiefs. They are doing this for monetary gain and power. These person or persons intend to collaborate with the Classified Research Projects,the GMO/Kalo Projects and the Mauna Kea development desecrators from the university.

Whether it be a Mr. Lovell, or a Mr. Souza, who are both employees of the university, or their cronies, these people want to give the "illusion" that an organization that has integrity is supportive of their agenda.

PLEASE KNOW THIS, these people belong to a corporation that they founded JULY 13, 2001 under the State of Hawai'i! The Royal Order of Kamehameha 1 was created by the Hawaiian Kingdom, April 11th, 1865. We are that body politic!

These persons are not the Royal Order of Kamehameha 1, and should not be respected as such, listened to or confided in.