HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0021.116 2014-2016Murashige, Laura
From: Choon lames<choonjameshawaii@gmail.com> o n
Sent: Sunday, December 14, 2014 4:25 PM
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To: Council Testimony r"
Subject: RESOLUTION 22-14
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Aloha County Council members: t�[.
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We understand there are legal challenges to the GMO bill enacted by the legislative county council. 'is to -+e
expected.
However, I believe there is a bigger consequence at stake if the legislative Council does nothing to maintain its
authority and responsibility against brow -beating lawsuits by powerful corporations.
This sets a very dangerous precedent for the integrity and the standing of the council.
We respectfully ask the County Council to defend the people's GMO bill in the courts of law. To simply not
stand up for the will of the people is to forgo the primary responsibility of the council.
There are compelling arguments amongst legal parties and your constituents that:
"First and foremost, there is every reason to believe we will prevail in this case, and do so clearly and easily.
Among other facts, there is no mention of GMO in state law, therefore it is indefensible to say that state law
preempts counties from regulating GMO. This will not be a costly effort nor will it be difficult. For information
on this opinion, see the Amicus brief filed on our behalf by Earthjustice, which explains this principle
clearly.
Secondly, the democratically expressed will of the people must be defended. We cannot allow corporate
interests to negate the laws that Hawaii County passes without even a fight to defend them.
Please stand up for the citizens of our island, for our right to home rule, a fair and open democracy, the
protection of our island's economy, and your power to be the rightful legislative arm of our government."
The above arc good enough reasons for the council to step up and take a stand. Otherwise, it will embolden
well -funded corporations to continue to push its weight around for its own private profits and that of its own
private clients, at the expense of public good.
Mahalo!
Choon James
55-052 Naupaka Street
Laie,Hawaii, USA 96762
(808) 293 9111
ChoonJamesHawaii(rFgmaikcom
Comm. No. 2-1.
Ref. To: Ge U
Ref. Date UEC 17 2014