HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0021.206 2014-2016Murashige, Laura'`
From: billgail@retiredinparadise.net -. r 16
Sent: Monday, December 15, 201411:44 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Support "Resolution 22-14 Advises the Corporation Counsel to appeal U.S. Magistrate
Judge Barry Kurren's ruling on Ordinance No. 13-121".
Dear Council Member,
I urge you to support the motion to appeal U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry Kurren's decision to invalidate Hawai'i County
Ordinance 13-121.
Ordinance 13-121 was passed by Hawaii County Council in 2013 to protect Hawaii Island's biodiversity, environmental
quality and local food system by banning the future cultivation of genetically engineered (GE) crops in the County. The
community spoke loud and clear on this issue.
I submitted email testimony and my wife also testified in person.
The County has the right to protect the health, safety and well-being of its residents and lands, and I believe Ordinance
13-121 is necessary to protect the island's food, farms and people both present and future from the negative health and
environmental impacts associated with GE crop operations. The right thing for the county to do is follow through with
the law that our island community fought so hard to pass.
Accepting the lower Court decision without opposition is a rejection of the state motto of Ua Mau Ke Ea 0 Ka Ama I Ka
Pone. ("The Life of the Land is Perpetuated in Righteousness")
Our Mayor Kenoi included this when he signed Ordinance 13-121:
"Our community has a deep connection and respect for our land, and we all understand we must protect our island and
preserve our precious natural resources. We are determined to do what is right for the land because this place is unlike
any other in the world. With this new ordinance we are conveying that instead of global agribusiness corporations, we
want to encourage and support community-based farming and ranching."
I ask you to please SUPPORT the motion to APPEAL the ruling to invalidate Ordinance 13-121. By supporting the appeal,
you will help to ensure that Hawaii County's agricultural lands will be cultivated by local farmers growing food for local
consumption, and preserving the integrity of HawaiTs natural resources.
As an aside ... especially after the last election with the incredible amount of money invested by corporations and the
very rich, I fear for
our democracy. Will "the people" prevail over "Big Ag?"
Mahalo for all your hard work
William B Simonsma
68-1906 Lina Poepoe St
Waikola, HI 96738
Comm. No. 2-4 • ZfJlo
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