HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0009.035 2014-2016Murashige, Laura
From: rene siracusa <renesiracusa@hotmail.com-
Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2015 12:11 PM
To: Chung, Aaron; Onishi, Dennis; Ilagan, Greggor; Paleka, Daniel; Council Testimony
Subject: Feb.4 Hilo meeting -testimony
Aloha council members -
I am testifying in support of the Hawaii County Council hiring of Earthjustice and Center for Food Safety to
represent the County on the appeal regarding the legality of the GMO issue that you passed last year. Briefly,
please consider the following points:
1. These two entities have agreed to defend the County AT NO CHARGE to us, so we have nothing to lose
2. Furthermore, it will allow the Court to review the new arguments that will be raised and make a more
informed decision.
3. Whether or not you approve of GMO on this island, or in general, the issue is much larger and has broader
ramifications, such as the impacts on previous legislation (taro and coffee) and home rule issues.
4. It is my understanding that pre-emption means that we cannot enact laws that are less stringent than those
of the state and federal laws. It does NOT mean than we cannot enact any laws at all regarding
agriculture. The distinction must be clarified in a Court of law.
5. The State Dept. of Agriculture has been dragging its heels for many years regarding updating of its rules. It
is behind the times on updating the noxious weed list, for example (20 years). It has not dealt with the conflict
between GMOs and organic agriculture either. These matters are bigger than the Council's kuleana, so you
should let it go to court where the matter can be resolved and DOA ordered to make any changes the Court
deems needed.
Please allow the matter to be litigated so that these issues can be resolved. We have nothing to lose and a
whole lot to gain, including increased clarity.
mahalo piha,
Rene Siracusa
lJl
comm. No. (•3S
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Ref. Dote FF 4 2plj