HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0009.008 2014-2016Leslie, Earlanne
From: Mark S. Gordon [mark. gordon333 @gmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, February 01, 2015 8:46 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Testimony for Communication 9.1 - Special Counsel Request
This Wednesday, February 4th the Hawaii County Council meets to vote on whether or not to
hire Earth justice and Center for Food Safety in the defense of our GMO crop Ordinance 13-
121, currently invalidated and awaiting appeal on 3udge Kurren's ruling. Hawaii County Corp
Council has asked to hire these law firms (for free, as they have so graciously offered) to
co- council in the case. It is my understanding that they are the best law firms in the field
for these types of issues. A 2/3 vote of the council is needed to approve this.
This case is not just about the cultivation of GMO crops, but is also critical to preserving
our home rule rights to address matters relating to the well -being of our land and people at
the County level — versus having our first layer of government concerning such matters in
Honolulu. This is also about preserving the balance of power between County and State. This
ruling would throw into question the county's authority in a broader sense than just GMO crop
farming, and it is for this and many other reasons that it makes sense to Appeal the Ruling.
Respectively Submitted,
Mark Gordon
Waikiloa, HI. - —
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