RES 809 Draft 01 2006-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNTY OF HAWAII STATE OF HAWAII RESOLUTION NO. 809 08 A RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE MAYOR TO ESTABLISH A GMO ADVISORY COMMISSION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE IV, SECTION 4-4, HAWAII COUNTY CHARTER. WHEREAS, Bill 361, Draft 2, unanimously approved by the Hawaii County Council on October 7, 2008, amends chapter 14, General Welfare, Hawaii County Code, by adding restrictions on genetically engineered taro (kalo) and coffee; and WHEREAS, the Honorable Mayor Harry Kim, through Communication No. 1424.113, expressed a desire to allow for further research and discussion of genetic engineering to better understand the pros and cons of this complex issue and recommended that a council be established to continue this research and determine the appropriatness of the use of transgenic crops; and WHEREAS, the County Council recommends that the members of the Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) Advisory Commission should include but not be limited to representatives from The following organizations or industries: the USDA Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, the taro growers assocation, the University of Hawaii at Hilo College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management, independent coffee farmers, coffee processors and roasters, organic farmers, the livestock industry, the floral and ornamental industry, the food industry, ascientist/researcher who favors genetic modification, a scientist/researcher who opposes genetic modification, and any other organization, industry, or individual, as the Mayor deems appropriate; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF HAWAII that by February 1, 2009, pursuant to article IV, section 4-4, of the Hawaii County Charter, the Mayor, as elected in the 2008 General Election, is requested to establish a GMO Advisory Commission and appoint its members who shall serve for a period of time not to exceed, or exist beyond, the teen of the Mayor; and , BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the council recommends the Department of Research and Development as the appropriate agency to partner with the GMO Advisory Commission; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that annual reports setting forth the results of the GMO Adivisory Commission's research regarding genetic engineering and the appropriateness of utilizing transgenic crops are presented to the Hawaii County Council and the Mayor; and