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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> REPORT OF THE <br /> COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT <br /> <br /> <br /> DATE: September 1, 2009 Re: Comm. No. 472/Res. 220-09 <br /> PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa <br /> 78-128 Ehukai Street <br /> Kailua-Kona, Hawaii <br /> TIME: 2:30 p.m. <br /> Council Chair and Members <br /> Hawaii County Council <br /> Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br /> <br /> Your Committee on Environmental Management, to which was referred Resolution 220-09, reports <br /> as follows: <br /> <br /> Resolution 220-09, transmitted by Council Chair J Yoshimoto, via Communication No. 472, dated <br /> August 3, 2009, is a resolution urging Congress to pass legislation requiring the labeling of all food <br /> products in the United States that have been genetically engineered or contain ingredients that have <br /> been genetically engineered. <br /> <br /> At the meeting, six public testifiers all spoke in favor of Resolution 220-09. <br /> <br /> Council Chair Yoshimoto thanked the testifiers for their input and explained that in his mind it all <br /> comes down to the public's right to be informed so they can make their own decisions. He believes <br /> that if Hawai` i County passes Resolution 220-09 other counties might follow and jointly help <br /> influence Congress to legislate GMO labeling. <br /> <br /> Councilmember Naeole stated that she doesn't want to keep the people in the dark and that her <br /> constituents want more organic products. She feels it is best to be truthful regarding the ingredients in <br /> food so people can make their own choice. <br /> <br /> Councilmember Yagong voiced his support and felt that Resolution 220-09 is a good start. He <br /> suggested to Councilmember Onishi that this idea could be discussed at HSAC to gather statewide <br /> support. Councilmember Onishi agreed with the HSAC suggestion. <br /> <br /> Councilmember Hoffmann stated that Resolution 220-09 is very well crafted and addresses human <br /> rights for all. In an attempt to strengthen Resolution 220-09, he moved to amend it with a proposed <br /> amendment that adds another "Whereas" clause after the eighth (8t) "Whereas" clause and reads as <br /> follows: <br /> <br /> "WHEREAS, by adopting this resolution, the Hawaii County Council expressly does not waive its <br /> home-rule authority in the future to enact, for Hawaii County, GMO (Genetically Modified <br /> Organism) labeling requirements similar to those contained in Chapter 26 SLA 05, and" <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> EMC Rept. No. 6 <br />