HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0009.055 2014-2016P.O. Box 383375
Waikoloa, HI 96738
1.
February 4, 2015
RE: TESTIMONY at the February 4, 2015 Hawaii County Council Meeting
v
Dear County Council;
I am Michael Price and reside at 68 -1794 Auhili Loop in Waikoloa Village, HI
96738. 1 am representing myself. I SUPPORT COMMUNICATION 9.1.
SPECIAL COUNSEL REQUEST.
Communication 9.1: SPECIAL COUNSEL REQUEST, Hawaii
FLORICULTURE v. COUNTY, (K. Garson). This is a request to hire special
counsel (Paul Achitoff — Earth Justice and George Kimbrell - Center for Food
Safety) to represent the County of Hawai'i in the appeal of the lower court's
decision that invalidated the County of HawaiTs GMO restriction ordinance (Bill
113). These attorneys are experts and experienced litigators in this area of law
and are willing to represent the County at no cost (other than certain court and
related charges).
This lawsuit is not simply a GMO case. The Council was elected with the
fiduciary duty to protect: Hawai'i County citizens, land and resources; Rights and
Powers in the Hawai'i County Charter; and the principle of "home rule ". Bill 113
was thoroughly discussed, revised and finally approved by the Hawai'i County
Council. The lower court's decision was written in a way that if Hawai'i County
loses this appeal it will remove the County's ability to pass any legislation that
affects any aspect of agriculture, and will set a precedent to undermine all
County authority, by the State of Hawaii, over most any matter relating to the
wellbeing and legal rights of our island Ohana, Hawai'i County
I strongly encourage the entire Council to hire and use the seasoned experience
of these attorneys to maintain "home rule" and reverse the lower court decision
regarding this matter.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment in support of Communication 9.1.
Your individual and combined support for this Bill is requested and appreciated.
Sincerely,
Mike Price
Comm. No. 9.S
Ref. To: lk
Ref. Date_ rra 2015 .