HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP EMC 017 09/09/2008 2006-2008REPOR'C OF THE
COMMIT'T'EE ON ENVIRONMEN"['AL MANAGEMENT
DATE: September 9, 2008 Re: Comm. 1424/Bill 361
PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa
78-128 Ehukai Street
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
T[ME: 10:55 a.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Environmental Management, to which was referred Bill 361 reports as
follows:
Bill 361, was transmitted from Council Member K. Angel Piiago, via Communication No. ]424,
dated August 28, 2008, proposing an ordinance amending Chapter 14, General Welfare, relating
to the restriction of genetically engineered taro (kalo) and coffee.
The purpose of this bill is to protect the taro (kalo) and coffee industry from genetic engineering
and preserve agriculturally-based and cultural traditions associated with taro and coffee within
the County of Hawaii.
"fhe majority of testifiers implored the Members of this Committee to exercise home rule and
pass this bill for Hawaii County now. Citing the failures of past State Legislation to accomplish
the goals of this bill, testifiers asked Committee Members to pass this measure through Your '
Committee and demonstrate their desire fa~ self determination via the home rule doctrine to
protect taro and coffee from any possible negative effects of genetic engineering on the
Big Island.
Your Committee on Environmental Management is in accord with the purposes and intent of
Bill 361, and recommends it pass first reading.
bl
Al'ES NOES A&E 1?X
FORD x
HIGA X
HOFFMANN x
IKEDA x
JACOBSON x
NAEOLE x
PILACO x
YAGONC x
YostuntoTO x
Respectfully submitted.
COMMI"1"I'L'li ON BNVIRONML'Ni'AI.
MANAGHMENT
I30n.lAC 3 ON, CHAIR
BMC RGPORT NO. 17
Ar.,oP),:D: ~P g~ 2008