GMO Free Hawai`i Island Endorsements 2014

GMO Free Hawaii Island
2014 VOTER`S GUIDE

Mahalo for your kokua electing strong candidates this primary season.

WALK-IN VOTING - July 27 - Aug. 7, 2014
PRIMARY - Sat, Aug 9, 2014

Vote at your local polling station (as stated on your yellow Voter Registration and Address Confirmation postcard. Call the Office of Elections: (808) 961-8277 to find out if didn’t get one.

Here at GMOFHI we are a grassroots group focused on environmental health and want to build a close working relationship with our elected officials in all four branches of government; County, OHA, State, and the Federal level. After viewing public records, forums, and videos, when possible we arranged interviews with the top two candidates in each race.

We believe that building working relationships with our elected officials is very important and understand that there is no time like the present to begin fostering a healthy dialog. We enjoyed having the opportunity to begin a dialog with new candidates and to continue this conversation with incumbents about, protecting our GMO Free ban on taro, coffee, and all new crops, home rule, and GMO product labels. In addition we talked about how we could move forward to further protect the environmental health of Hawai’i island and the State of Hawai`i, a place the world knows as paradise by protecting us from the harmful effects of neonicotinoids. There is so much more to discuss as we move forward. We wish all of our endorsements the best of luck in the upcoming primary elections, and hope that they will continue to be active supporters of environmental health and the precautionary principle no matter what happens on August 9, 2014.

There are some districts left out; in those cases the race is incumbent-only, or none of the candidates running in that district earned our endorsement. In a few instances the candidates were reviewed by a sister organization, and our endorsement is based on their recommendation.

HAWAI`I ISLAND COUNTY COUNCIL
District 1 - POINDEXTER, Valerie
District 2 - MARKS, Kerri
District 3 - No Endorsement
District 4 - LOZANO, Roy
District 5 - PUEO, Frannie
District 6 - ABBETT, Richard
District 7 - No Endorsement
District 8 - EOFF, Karen
District 9 - WILLE, Margaret

STATE
Governor - No Endorsement
Lt. Governor - PULETASI, Sam or SHIRATORI, Miles

SENATE - HAWAI`I ISLAND
D1 - KA'EHU'AE'A, Wendell (Hilo)
D4 - INOUYE, Lorraine Rodero
(Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, Kona)

HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE - HAWAI`I ISLAND
D2 - MIRANDA, Edwin L.P.
(Keaukaha, parts of Hilo, Panaʻewa, Waiakea)
D4 - BRONSON-CRELLY, Leilani
(Puna)
D5 - CREAGAN, Richard P.
(Na'alehu, Ocean View, Captain Cook, Kailua-Kona)
D6 - LOWEN, Nicole
(North Kona, Holualoa, Kalaoa, Honokōhau)

FEDERAL
U.S. State Senator (1) - SCHATZ, Brian
U.S. Representative District 2 - GABBARD, Tulsi

OHA - AT-LARGE
WONG-KALU, Hina
MAKEKAU, Keli’i
DE SOTO-MCCOLLOUGH, Laura

*O'AHU - K. SHIGEMASA, K.
*MAUI - LINDSEY, Hu

Mahalo for voting!
~the team at GMO Free Hawai`i Island

Bill 113 Passed - What's Next?

Aloha e kakou,

Thanks to all of the activists and supporters who worked on this: GMO prohibition Bill 113 passed out of the Public Safety and Mass Transit Committee on Oct. 1, with a vote of 6 – 2 and a positive recommendation to the Hawaii County Council. Councilman Onishi was not present and amendments he submitted to the bill previously will be discussed in the full council when it convenes to take up this bill.

The YES votes were from Councilmembers Wille, Poindexter, Ford, Eoff, Kanuha and Kern. The NO votes were Yoshimoto and Ilagan, Onishi was absent. Although Kanuha and Kern did vote for the bill, they can easily waiver as we can be sure that opponents of the bill will be campaigning hard. In order to prevent a veto by the mayor, 6 votes are needed when the full council votes on it. We have work yet to do to insure the bill’s safe passage.

!SEND MAHALOS TO YOUR COUNCILPERSON FOR VOTING FOR THIS BILL!
Council contacts listed below.

An unresolved issue is that the bill “grandfathered in” the GMO corn grown by Big Island Dairy in Pepeekeo, Honomu and Ookala (approx. 350 acres). Councilmember Wille was anxious to pass the bill to defend home rule, that the state Legislature may attack next session and that is why she called for the vote now. She believes that the contaminating corn can be handled later via an ad hoc committee. In reality, non-GMO corn growers would be hard put to safely grow corn on the Hamakua coast by allowing this particular “open air cultivation of GMO.”

A coordinated effort is necessary to urge councilmembers to write an amendment to this discriminating exemption, to have a true “no open air cultivation” law, and a first mention could be made when you send your thanks them.

The formation of an Ad Hoc Committee to study GMO issues and make recommendations or amendments to this bill has been postponed until the bill passes, on advice of corporation council that concurrent work on the bill and in any ad hoc committee is not legal.

The date and time the full council schedules this bill will be sent as-soon-as it is known. There will be opportunity for public testimony after which the Council will vote on it, and that process may take two sessions.

HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL CONTACTS

District 1 - Valerie Poindexter 

(808) 961-8018
Fax: (808) 961-8912
Email: vpoindexter@co.hawaii.hi.us

District 2 - J Yoshimoto 

(808) 961-8272 

Fax: (808) 961-8912 

Email: jyoshimoto@co.hawaii.hi.us

District 3 - Dennis “Fresh” Onishi 

(808) 961-8396 

Fax: (808) 961-8912 

Email: donishi@co.hawaii.hi.us

District 4 - Greggor Ilagan 

 (808) 965-2712 

Fax: (808) 965-2707 

Email: gilagan@co.hawaii.hi.us

District 5 - Zendo Kern 

(808) 961-8263
Fax: (808) 961-8912 

Email: zkern@co.hawaii.hi.us

District 6 Brenda Ford 

(808) 323-4277 

Fax: (808) 329-4786 

Email: bford@co.hawaii.hi.us

District 7 - Dru Mamo Kanuha 

(808) 323-4267
Fax: (808) 329-4786 

Email: dkanuha@co.hawaii.hi.us

District 8 - Karen Eoff 

(808) 323-4280 

Fax: (808) 329-4786 

Email: keoff@co.hawaii.hi.us

District 9 - Margaret Wille 

(808) 887-2069
Fax: (808) 887-2072 

Email: mwille@co.hawaii.hi.us

Mahalo for your continued support and action on this important bill.

GMO-Free Hawaii Island GMOFreeHawaiiIsland.org 

Visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GMOFreeHawaiiIsland 

Email: GMOFreeHawaiiIsland@gmail.com

GMO Hearings for Bills 109 & 113

Aloha e kakou,

Hawaii County Council discussion began on both GMO prohibition bills today(Sept 6), with Bill #109 being voted down and discussion proceeded on Bill #113. There will be another opportunity for Bill #109 when it is on the agenda at a full Council meeting. The next Council meeting scheduled to continue the discussion of Margaret Wille’s Bill #113 will be on Monday, Sept. 23, at 9 a.m. in Hilo.

The Council will be calling upon expert witnesses to answer their remaining questions, and any witnesses appearing in Kona will speak via video conferencing. If you are able to help put expert witnesses on these issues in touch with respective councilmembers, please kokua.

1. At the start of the meeting, Councilmember Onishi attempted to table both bills, but the motion failed as being out of order. He also offered an amendment to take papaya completely out of the bill (no exemption) and have them covered only under the bill’s main prohibition, but after discussion it was not accepted because it would have limited what current papaya growers could do in the future. 
2. Councilmember Yoshimoto’s position is that there should be no GMOs allowed that are resistant to poisons, such as Round Up Ready crops, however, he is uncertain that crops like papaya that are virus resistant are as dangerous, and would like to hear from experts on this matter. 
3. Councilmember Eoff does not want Hawaii Island to turn into Kauai, wants a bill that would protect air, land and water, but is unsure of the wording and would like more expert testimony on some issues. 
4. Councilmember Kern wants to keep out predatory farming and open air cultivation, and would like clarification on pollination between crops/species by experts. He also wants to hear from experts if GMO virus resistant crops are as risky as poison resistant crops. 
5. Councilmember Kanuha does not want open air testing/crops, but doesn’t believe all GMO is bad and the bill may hurt small farmers so he wants to understand how this bill would affect local food security. 
6. Councilmember Ilagan would like to know what other current GMO crops are in the ground that could cross pollinate. 
7. Corporation Council, Lincoln Ashida commented that bills need enforcement provisions or they would be hollow, and recommends Environmental Management Department as being equipped to address violations. 

Mahalo for your continued support.

GMO-Free Hawaii Island: gmofreehawaiiisland.org
Visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GMOFreeHawaiiIsland
Email: gmofreehawaiiisland@gmail.com

GMO Bills 109 & 113 Comparison

Two GMO prohibition bills will be introduced on September 4, 2013, 1:30 pm, in the Public Safety & Mass Transit Committee in Hilo: 

• Bill  113 by Margaret Wille which replaces Bill 79, and 
• Bill 109 by Brenda Ford.   
• In addition, Margaret Wille has submitted Communication #394 Discussion and Formation of an Ad Hoc Committee Relating to Genetically Engineered Crops and Plants. 

You can read both bills, and the Ad Hoc resolution by downloading the files at the bottom of this page.

Public Testimony on the bills and the Ad Hoc Committee proposal will be heard at the beginning of the meeting, however, testimony is limited to 2 minutes whether speaking on one or all of the agenda items. You can testify at the satellite office locations in Kau, Kona, and Wiamea. The Pahoa satellite office is currently closed, so people in that area will need to go to Hilo.

Keeping the focus of testimony on the points of the bill will assist the Council in discussing what the community deems to be important.

Take Action:

Contact your Council member before Sept. 4 to let them know what kind of bill you support.  Taking this action will provide them with input prior to the committee’s discussion.  A Council contact list is attached.

If oral testimony is given, it is recommended that more detailed written testimony also be submitted via email due to the 2-minute time restriction.

1. Bill 109 - Introduced by Brenda Ford
   http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/WebLink8/0/doc/794683/Page1.aspx
2. Bill 113 - Introduced by Margaret Wille
   http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/WebLink8/0/doc/794699/Page1.aspx
3. COM 394 Ad Hoc Committee
   http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/WebLink8/0/doc/794737/Page1.aspx
4. COM 404 Hawaii Island GMO Summit
   http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/WebLink8/0/doc/794893/Page1.aspx
5. UPDATED AGENDA - The PAHOA office will be CLOSED; no testimony in Pahoa, you have to come to Hilo
   http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/Weblink8/DocView.aspx?id=795049

COMPARISON OF GMO BILLS

Bill 113 Margaret Wille “Protect Hawaii Island’s Agricultural Heritage and Its Ecosystems from Harm from Genetically Engineered Organisms.” Prohibition:  No open air cultivation, propagation or development of genetically engineered crops or plants. Exemptions: crops or plants being cultivated, propagated or developed prior to the effective date of this article are exempted provided locations or facilities are registered within 90 days.   GMO papaya in current and future locations is exempt provided commercial locations or facilities are registered. Administration:  Department of Research & Development, Agriculture Division. Registration:  $100 annual registration fee beginning within 90 days of the effective date of article. Penalties:  Violators fined $1000 per day, per location and responsible for costs of investigation, court and legal costs, and for damage to non-GE crops, plants, neighboring properties or water sources.

Bill 109 Brenda Ford “Genetically Modified or Engineered Organisms Prohibited.” Prohibition:  Unlawful to cultivate, develop or use any GMOs or to genetically modify any specific or non-specific parts of an organism’s genome. Exemptions:  state/federal licensed medical or agricultural research institutions are exempt if contained in a biosafety level 3 facility. Sunset Date:  cultivation, development or use of GMOs may continue for a period not to exceed 30 months. Administration:  Department of Environmental Management. Registration:  $100 annual registration fee beginning within 60 days of the effective date of this article. Enforcement: Administrative Enforcement:  Violators fined $1000, and $1000 per day of violation. Penal Enforcement:  Violators who fail to comply are arrested for petty misdemeanor, fined $1000 or 30 days in jail.  Responsible for costs of testing, removal, destruction of GMOs, and remediation of property.

Ad Hoc Committee Com #394 

 We recommend that if an Ad Hoc Committee is utilized that is form after a Bill is passed so that it does not hinder legislation, and that the focus of the bill emphasizes transitioning away from GMOs.

1. It is important to stress to the Council that the Ad Hoc Committee is not about co-existence, but about transitioning away from GMOs.   
2. That the committee be formed after a bill is passed and focus its work on supporting farmers to transition to non-GMO crops rather than the topics outlined in the Ad Hoc Committee proposal: co-existence, pesticides, pros/cons of indigenous/ecologically friendly farming.

 Report: "Exploring Coexistence of Diverse Farming Practices Alternative Report" 

Join our Facebook Event Page for September 4, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/lh5b6az

Hawai`i Island County Council Representatives
The Hawai‘i County Council is comprised of nine members, each elected from one of Hawai‘i County’s nine council districts, and serving two-year terms. The Council’s powers and functions are governed by Article 3, Section 3-1, Hawai‘i County Charter, which states that the legislative powers of the county shall be vested in the County Council. Its primary function shall be legislation and public policy formulation. The Council is responsible for passing the laws that govern this county, as enacted by ordinance, and written in the Hawai‘i County Code.

★ Detail Information about each elected council member can be located on the County's website at:
http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/council/ . 
 

How to Testify for a County Bill

Get involved in the process to create legislation and public policy that is appropriate for your County by participating in the public hearings for proposed Bills and amendments. The County Council meets in the Hilo & Kona Chambers alternately, and has satellite centers around the island for your convenience.

1. Locate and Read the Bill 
2. Visit with the County Council Representative(s)
3. Testify for the Bill (and in some cases Rally - Sign Waving or Marching)

You can visit the County Council Bulletin Board to see the meeting agenda's or sign up to have the agenda's sent to you via email. Once an agenda item has been recorded you can review or download an electronic copy from the County Laserfiche Website at:
http://records.co.hawaii.hi.us/WebLink8/Welcome.aspx. 

You can testify in person, on the day of the public hearing or by submitting a written or video testimony by noon on the workday prior to the public hearing. 

Important information to include with your testimony

1. DATE of the hearing which is 9/4/13
2. Communication (COM) or Bill number
3. Committee's name i.e. "Public Safety and Mass Transit" (PSMT)
4. Your name and where you live
5. Your position -- whether you SUPPORT or oppose

 Testimony Formats

• IN PERSON - on the day of the hearing in chambers or via a satellite center.
• EMAIL written testimony to: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us  
• BY MAIL:to the Office of the County Clerk at 25 Aupuni Street, Hilo, HI 96720,  
• FAX to (808) 961-8912  
• VIDEO testimony can be sent to videotestimony@hawaiicounty.gov

See Complete Instructions

1. Testify in Person (Oral and/or Written)
2. Written Testimony
3. Video Testimony

★ TESTIFY IN PERSON
You can testify in a group, meaning before you read your testimony say that you are also representing the following people, and then list their names. The time you spend reading the names will NOT be counted against your time. Make sure you say your name, where you live, and who you are (i.e. mother, organic farmer, business owner, etc) Bring 15 copies of your testimony with you that day and give 14 to the clerk; keep one for yourself to read from, then give it to a press person.

★ WRITTEN TESTIMONY You can send in your written testimony via regular mail, email mail or fax machine. You can include research studies, factual data, books, or videos along with your personal written statement. Items that can not be duplicated should be sent in multiples of 14 so that they can be distributed to all of the County Council representatives. 

 ★ VIDEO TESTIMONY
Those submitting video testimony may email a complete web address (url) to videotestimony@hawaiicounty.gov before 12:00 noon, on the workday prior to the public hearing.

The email should include the following:

1. Date
2. the Committee, 
3. agenda item, 
4. and number of testifiers on the video submittal. 
5. Send SEPARATE VIDEOS for each agenda item. 
6. Video submittals may contain up to three (3) individual testifiers and shall each be up to three (3) minutes in length. 
7. Video testimony will not be played during the meeting; however, it will be distributed to Council Members prior to the meeting. If submitted after the deadline, Council Members will receive the video testimony after the meeting. The Office of the County Clerk reserves the right to refuse testimony containing inappropriate content or that is not in compliance with Council Rule 13 (Public Statements and Testimony) .

Allowable video formats are to be internet-based, downloadable, and accessible to this office and the general public; e.g. YouTube being the most commonly known but any, of similar functionality and format we can access and review, is acceptable.

★ MISSED THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT WRITTEN TESTIMONY
 If you miss the deadline for written public testimony, the Office of the County Clerk will accept your written public testimony at the Committee meeting. When submitting written public testimony at a Committee meeting, please see a Committee Services staff person stationed at the front entrance of the Council room and provide them with your written public testimony. The Office of the County Clerk advises that you bring fourteen (14) copies of the written public testimony to expedite distribution to the Council members during the meeting.

Hawai`i Island County Council Representatives
The Hawai‘i County Council is comprised of nine members, each elected from one of Hawai‘i County’s nine council districts, and serving two-year terms. The Council’s powers and functions are governed by Article 3, Section 3-1, Hawai‘i County Charter, which states that the legislative powers of the county shall be vested in the County Council. Its primary function shall be legislation and public policy formulation. The Council is responsible for passing the laws that govern this county, as enacted by ordinance, and written in the Hawai‘i County Code.

★ Detail Information about each elected council member can be located on the County's website at:
http://www.hawaiicounty.gov/council/ .