HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP EMC 006 09/01/2009 2008-2010
REPORT OF THE
COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
DATE: September 1, 2009 Re: Comm. No. 472/Res. 220-09
PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa
78-128 Ehukai Street
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
TIME: 2:30 p.m.
Council Chair and Members
Hawaii County Council
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Your Committee on Environmental Management, to which was referred Resolution 220-09, reports
as follows:
Resolution 220-09, transmitted by Council Chair J Yoshimoto, via Communication No. 472, dated
August 3, 2009, is a resolution urging Congress to pass legislation requiring the labeling of all food
products in the United States that have been genetically engineered or contain ingredients that have
been genetically engineered.
At the meeting, six public testifiers all spoke in favor of Resolution 220-09.
Council Chair Yoshimoto thanked the testifiers for their input and explained that in his mind it all
comes down to the public's right to be informed so they can make their own decisions. He believes
that if Hawai` i County passes Resolution 220-09 other counties might follow and jointly help
influence Congress to legislate GMO labeling.
Councilmember Naeole stated that she doesn't want to keep the people in the dark and that her
constituents want more organic products. She feels it is best to be truthful regarding the ingredients in
food so people can make their own choice.
Councilmember Yagong voiced his support and felt that Resolution 220-09 is a good start. He
suggested to Councilmember Onishi that this idea could be discussed at HSAC to gather statewide
support. Councilmember Onishi agreed with the HSAC suggestion.
Councilmember Hoffmann stated that Resolution 220-09 is very well crafted and addresses human
rights for all. In an attempt to strengthen Resolution 220-09, he moved to amend it with a proposed
amendment that adds another "Whereas" clause after the eighth (8t) "Whereas" clause and reads as
follows:
"WHEREAS, by adopting this resolution, the Hawaii County Council expressly does not waive its
home-rule authority in the future to enact, for Hawaii County, GMO (Genetically Modified
Organism) labeling requirements similar to those contained in Chapter 26 SLA 05, and"
EMC Rept. No. 6
Communication No. 189
Page 2 of 2
Council Chair Yoshimoto thanked Councilmember Hoffmann but felt the amendment was not
needed. He stated that he believes that Resolution 220-09 calls for Congress to act and is not a home
rule issue.
Councilmember Hoffmann restated the reason for his amendment was to strengthen
Resolution 220-09.
Councilmember Ford felt that it was a very good amendment but felt clarification was need regarding
Chapter 26 SLA 05.
Councilmember Greenwell stated that he had an issue with Resolution 220-09 as he believes that
most food products will need to be labeled and that the impact of the labeling will be lost. He
believes it might be better to label all non GMO food products instead.
Councilmember Ikeda called for the question.
Your Committee on Environmental Management is in accord with the purpose and intent of
Resolution No. 220-09, as amended to Draft 2, and recommends its adoption.
djh
AYES NOES A&E EX Respectfully submitted,
ENRIQUES x
FORD x COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL
GREENWELL x MANAGEMENT
HOFFMANN x
HaDA x
NAEOLE x
ONISHI x KELLY NWELL, CfUR
YOSSONZOTO x ADOPT REPORT OCT NO. 7 6
009