Genetically Modified Organisms: We have submitted several comment letters at various times and to various agencies, (1) supporting labeling of foods containing GMOs, and (2) opposing the experimental growing of GMOs in open air test plots in Hawai 'i. We cited previously known “escapes” and stated our beliefs that the risks are not worth the supposed potential benefits.
Importation of Medium- and High-Risk Microorganisms: We opposed the Agriculture Dept.’s request to import these for experimental purposes on the same basis as the above.
Critical Habitat: We testified in support of the long-overdue designation of critical habitat for 47 Big Island endangered plant species. We also submitted testimony supporting protections for the Green Sphinx Moth and the Molokai Safe Harbor Agreement for Nene.
Native Forest Tax Rates: As the County Council proposed to increase property taxes across the board, we pointed out that (1) native forest and agricultural should not be lumped together, because they had been previously separated by an amendment to Chapter 19 of the County Code, and (2) that the Code for Native Forest to have the lowest rate was ignored by the proposed new rates, which were therefore illegal.
ARC of Hilo vs. 78 Pink Tecomas at County Building: ARC has the maintenance contract for the County property. They felt that raking the blossoms added too much work and requested permission to cut down the trees. We complained, and contacted the Outdoor Circles to do so as well. The trees were saved.
Herbicide Spraying at Ahalanui Park & County Roads: When we learned that a County maintenance worker had done massive spraying of Roundup at the park, we contacted Pam Mizuno at Parks & Rec to remind her that County policy was that Ahalanui is a no-spray park (we had learned years ago that rain would leach herbicides into the pond). Pam checked the records, agreed with us, and instructed parks maintenance division accordingly. We also complained to County Roads Division about spraying along our roadsides. Certain areas are now being mowed instead, as a result of our efforts.
County General Plan: The main planning document of the County is due for revision every ten years, and calls for public hearings. We reviewed the plan, and there were things we liked and things we didn’t. We were very vocal about the latter: supporting protection of coastal lands and native forest, help for organic farmers from pesticide overspray, undergrounding of utilities, protection of historic sites and all the other good stuff. Visit the office to read our entire testimony -–we're sure you’ll agree.
Rules Governing Non-profits: René wrote a letter which was printed in the Tribune-Herald under the heading “Nonprofit 101”, in which she discussed some of the violations she has observed locally. Rep. Helene Hale informed us that she, too, has been thinking about the matter, having seen some unethical or illegal behaviors – especially by non-profits receiving State money. She intends to work on this issue, and will keep us posted.
Environmental Council: In August we wrote this State agency, requesting that they schedule meetings on Neighbor Islands when their agenda includes NI issues. It’s hard for the public to always have to travel to Oahu. Rep. Helene Hale followed up with her own letter to the Council in support. There has been no response to either of us thus far & Oahu meetings continue.
Playground on Pahoa Elementary Campus: There is no public playground in all of Puna makai. Councilman Safarik submitted a funding request to the County Council for equipment. We submitted testimony in support. It passed.
Tipping Fees: Over the years we have been monitoring the changing rules regarding solid waste and how they affect roadside dumping. We are convinced that the more obstacles put in the way of the public, the greater the dumping. Already some local businesses are using the transfer stations or dumping on the back roads instead of hauling to Hilo. If tipping fees are instituted, it will increase their cost of doing business even more, and we will see an increase in dumping. We asked the County to consider, instead, a bonus for using the landfill and to order Public Works to implement the “bounty” on junk cars which they passed several years ago.