HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0392.133 2014-2016Nemec
CUUA, N2
Murashige, Laura
From: Dashiell Kuhr <dash.kuhr@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, August 17, 2015 10:28 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Testimony in Support of Bill 71
Attachments: BILL 71 Letr to CC-F.pdf
Aloha Kakou,
We are submitting this testimony in favor of bill 71.
Mahalo
Dashiell Kuhr
1
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Conn. No. v'•� � 33
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Ref. Date
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08/14/2015
Office of the County Clerk
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
RE: Testimony Supporting BILL 71
The two Big Island Chapters of Hawaii Farmers Union United (HFUU) listed below herein state our support for Bill 71, which is now
before the Hawaii County Council. HFUU is built on three pillars: education, cooperation, and legislation. Our support for Bill 71 is
based on these pillars as follows.
1. The deleterious human health and ecological impacts of pesticides and herbicides are well documented. Recently, the World Health
Organization issued a report on glyphosate, the world' s most used herbicide, and concluded it "probably causes cancer.' We see
educating the public about herbicide use and its negative effects as our kuleana to our community and the 'aina. As an organization
dedicated to supporting regenerative farming practices our specific concerns are related to contamination of organic crops due to drift,
misuse or spills, herbicide infiltration of the water system, possible loss of organic certification as a result of such contaminations and
protection of soil microbes; an incredibly complex and little understood realm of science. We see Bill 71 as a pivotal way for the county
to set a positive example and promote dialogue and understanding about the negative effects of herbicide use here in Hawai'i along with
promoting the mechanical, non-toxic chemical, and social methods for handling unwanted vegetation; methods that are successfully
employed in communities across the globe that have banned the use of glyphosate.
2. Cooperation within the movement to ban county use of herbicides is evident by the many organizations and concerned individuals
involved. The overwhelmingly one-sided testimony on 08/05/15 before your committee is clear evidence of the peoples voice on this issue.
We see collaborating with these groups and individuals as key to raising a united voice in opposition to continued use of herbicides by
the county. Enhanced collaboration will inevitably bring more support for policies we wish to see enacted to create regenerative and
sustainable solutions.
3. Legislation is the way to define the future we want to see and by supporting Bill 71 we can begin to chart a course toward health
and sustainability for the people of Hawai'i. We declare our unified support for healthy and sustainable practices as positive in nature,
and destined to build a more positive future.
The undersigned HFUU chapter presidents hereby represent the countywide voice of our membership; farmers, ranchers and fisherman
dedicated to increasing food production and safety here in Hawai'i.
0.1ild-e .J1,
Dash Kuhr, President Kohala Chapter
HFUU Kohala Chapter
Greg Smith
Greg Smith, President Ka' u Chapter