Kauai County Council passed its "GMO" bill....

[KauaiK]

The bill requires the GMO companies on island to (1) publically disclose what they are spraying; (2) give notice before they spray and (3) prohibit spraying within 100 feet of businesses, residences, schools, - basically people. It was not a prohibition to GMO growing, but it was reasonable baby step to protect the people, reefs, sea life and land from airborne chemicals and chemical runoff into the ocean. The opposition from the GMO companies their armies of attorneys on island was immense (perhaps even overplayed). The Kauai County Council prevailed and passed the bill.

Note: Hawaii has a 12 month growing season + an abundance of rain. Consequently it has more GMO acres planted than in the Midwest.

[Cha]

1. Yay! Good News, KauaiK! First I heard it.. right here!

Wow.. THis is HUGE! So many worked so hard for this!

Kauai Council passes anti-GMO, pesticides bill after long hearing

The Kauai County Council voted 6-1 to approve an amended bill that calls for mandatory disclosure of pesticides use and genetically modified crops by large agribusinesses on the island.

Shortly after 3:30 a.m. today, the council approved Bill 2491 after a 14-hour discussion.

The bill requires disclosure of pesticides and GMOs by large agri-businesses. It also calls to implement buffer zones near schools, dwellings, medical facilities, public roadways and waterways. It takes effect in nine months.

The emotionally charged meeting reconvened Tuesday with the council chambers dominated by bill supporters who urged councilmembers to pass the bill, stating ample time has been given to vet the issue. Opponents backed Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.'s request for a two-month deferral to hold discussions with the state on enforcement of the bill's disclosure and buffer zone provisions.

"We have a major issue that is of a concern to this whole community," said Carvalho adding that he is working with state officials on the possibility to direct some of the responsbilities of the bill to the appropriate departments. "I'm not going to set ourselves up to fail," he said.

more..
http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/Kauai_County_Council_passes_GMO__pesticides_Bill.html

[mahina]

2. Way to go, Kaua'i folks!!

Such an outstanding community effort! Imua Walter Ritte, Imua Kaua'i people, Imua Gary Hooser!

The people have the power, if they will use it.

So encouraging, aloha KauaiK.

[Cha]

4. Mahalo mahina~

Passing of Bill 2491!

[Hekate]

3. This kama'aina says Mahalo for showing us how it's done

[Cha]

5. Hey Hekate~ So happy for our Island..

It was so needed!

[msongs]

6. first Kauai then O'ahu, Maui et al nt

[Nictuku]

7. This makes me very happy!

My mother lived on Kauai for 20 years (I was on Oahu and the mainland during that time), but Kauai is always going to be 'home' to me. She lived through 2 hurricanes, but Iniki destroyed her business in Hanalei (she had a hair salon across from Hanalei School). Kauai is my favorite place on earth, specifically, Ha'ena (end of the road). How I wish I was there still.

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[grahamhgreen]

8. Kick!