HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0225.004 2008-2010
Council Chair nm„ Director of Council Smices
Danny A. Mateo ® Ken Fukuoka
Vice-Chair
Michael J. Molina • •1 r•
Council Members
Gladys C. Baisa COUNTY COUNCIL
Jo Anne Johnson COUNTY OF MAUI
Sol P. Kaho'ohalahala
Bill Kauakea Medeiros 200 S. HIGH STREET
Wayne K. Nishiki WAMUKU, MAUI, HAWAII 96793
Joseph Pontanilla w .mauicountv.eov/council
Michael P. Victorino
April 8, 2009
Honorable J. Yoshimoto, Chair
And Members of the Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Chair Yoshimoto and Members of the Council,
SUBJECT: Testimony in support of Resolution No. 81-09 entitled, "A
RESOLUTION URGING OPPOSITION TO HOUSE BILL
NO. 1226, HD1, RELATING TO GENETICALLY MODIFIED
PLANT ORGANISMS"
Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony in support of Hawaii County
Resolution No. 81-09, opposing HB1226, HD1 relating to genetically modified plant
organisms. I am providing this testimony in my capacity as an individual member of the
Maui County Council.
The purpose of HB1226, HD1 is to expressly preempt the County's ability to make their
own decisions as it relates to genetically engineered plant materials.
I support your measure for all the compelling reasons stated in the resolution, and
applaud you for your support in helping to preserve your neighbor County's ability to set
its own policies regarding genetically modified plant organisms
While Hawaii County has proactively taken steps to have the discussion on the merits
Comm. No. a 19 -
Ref. To: `.eSeoto
Ref. Date APR 8 2009
Honorable J. Yoshimoto, Chair
And Members of the Hawaii County Council
April 8, 2009
Page 2
of certain genetically modified food crops grown in Hawaii County, Maui County has not
yet engaged in those discussions. At this time we do have a County Communication in
Committee awaiting a public hearing to discuss genetically modified taro in Maui
County, however at this time, deliberation is deferred pending completion of our fy-10
budget process.
Deferring the County's policy-making authority to the federal government and the
industry sets a bad precedent.
i Thank you for your support and consideration of Resolution No. 81-09 and for standing
together with Maui County to ensure the preservation of home rule decision-making
concerning genetically modified taro. Attached is a copy of Maui County Resolution No.
09-29 for your information.
Sincerely,
SOL P. KAHO'OHALAHALA
Council Member
Attachments
i
I
Resolution
No. 09-29
URGING OPPOSI'T'ION'f0 HOUSE BILL NO. 1226,
HDI, RELATING TO GENETICALLY MODIFIED
PLANT ORGANISMS
WHEREAS, House Bill No. 1226, HDl, preempts any county regulatory action
that bans or restricts certain activities relating to genetically modified plant organisms,
except any county ordinance that became effective before January 1, 2009; and
WHEREAS, thus far, the Council has not enacted legislation relating to
genetically modified plant organisms; and
WHEREAS, this measure has passed third reading by the house of
Representatives and is currently pending before the Senate; and
WHEREAS. Maui County Representatives Mele Carroll, Angus McKelvey,
Gilbert Keith-Agaran, and eleven other state representatives voted "no" on the measure;
and
WHEREAS, this bill prohibits all county regulatory action related to banning or
otherwise regulating the planting, growing, testing, advertisement, labeling, packaging,
handling, transportation, distribution, use, notification of use, certification, or registration
of any genetically modified plant organism; and
WHEREAS. scientific research on this matter remains in its infancy and this
preemptive measure disallows any county regulation that may arise based upon future
scientific findings; and
WHEREAS, the delicate nature of Hawaii's unique ecosystems, and the health,
safety, and welfare of Hawaii's residents are best maintained and protected by its
respective counties; and
WHEREAS, by permitting the State to exact land use regulatory limits on the
counties relating to this highly controversial matter, this measure usurps county authority
and repudiates home rule principles, without just cause; now, therefore,
.
Resolution No. 09-29
BE IT RF,SOLVED by the Council of the County of Maui:
1. That it hereby urges opposition to House Bill No. 1226, HDl, in order to
protect and preserve the counties' home rule authority; and
2. That certified copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Honorable
Charmaine Tavares, Mayor, County of Maui; the Honorable Linda Lingle,
Governor, State of Hawaii; the State Speaker of the House and members
of the House of Representatives; the State Senate President and members
of the Senate; Dr. Lorrin Pang, Maui District Health Officer, State
Department of Health; and Bonnie Bonse.
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COUNCIL OF THE COUNTY OF MAUI
WAILUKU, HAWAII 96793
CERTIFICATION OF ADOPTION
It is HEREBY CERTIFIED that RESOLUTION NO. 09-29 was adopted by the
Council of the County of Maui, State of Hawaii, on the 20th day of March, 2009, by
the following vote:
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MEMBERS NATEG MGLIWA BAISA SA JGHNSGN KAHO NE DEIR EIRCS WSWKI PGNTANILLA VIGTOWNO
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ROLL CALL Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye
/ VOW Y CLERK