Sent: Sun, 29 Mar 2009 2:07 pm
Subject: Please Forward: Hawai'i County Council Proposes Resolution Opposing HB1226 "GMO Preemption"
A few weeks ago at the Hawai'i State Legislature, House Bill 1226 (bill is attached) passed Chairman Clift Tsuji's Agriculture committee and 2 floor votes and moved on to the Senate. All State Representatives from Hawai'i island voted FOR this bill.
The bill says that No County or State Agency has the right to discriminate against genetically engineered (GE) agricultural crops by passing local or state ordinances that would protect farmers, crops, and citizens. This includes future labeling. This is called a "preemption" bill. No State has passed such a restrictive bill.
Although it does "grandfather" in Hawai'i Counties 11/08 ban (Ordinance 09-154) on growing and researching genetically engineered varieties of taro and coffee, it prohibits ALL future rights over any regulation of GE corps and labeling at the County or State level, and is putting regulation in the hands of the federal agency USDA/APHIS. APHIS is currently in the process of creating a new regulatory structure for GE crops and is moving toward "deregulation" and is suspending the current but weak system of notification for experimental GE field trial permits.
Whether you agree with GE or not, to remove the ability of our County Council to protect the people and lands of Hawai'i Island is heavy-handed, undemocratic, and dangerous. HB1226 was signed and introduced solely by the Speaker of the House Calvin Say. It is disheartening to see the House selling out our farmers to corporate interests.
On Friday March 20, the Maui County Council passed 9-0 a Resolution opposing HB1226. It was initiated by Sol Kaho'ohalahala. The Kauai Council is currently contemplating their statement.
Here on Hawai'i Island, Councilman Pete Hoffmann has written a Resolution (attached) opposing HB1226 that will be heard before the full Council at the Hilo Council Chambers on Wednesday April 8. (time to be determined next week)
Public testimony (3 minutes) may be given in person, or just come, listen, and show support. Video-conferencing is available at the Kona or Waimea Council Offices. Written testimony can be sent to counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us AND a copy to kforissier@co.hawaii.hi.us. Subject is "Resolution Opposing HB1226."
Mahalo for your time and energy to provide comment that will help us to retain our local ability to protect our farmers and crops in the future. If you have questions contact nancyredfeather@hawaii.rr.com or 322-2801.
Aloha,
Hawai'i SEED
A Coalition to protect Hawaii's Farmers and Crops and Promote Development of a Sustainable and Ecological Local Agriculture.
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Wow! Just wow. Smoke and mirrors. Use the Ku'e to confuse the Po'e. All the while the real war passes by without much-to-do. It would seem the same rules of war apply to governance.
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