Oppose SB111 - Support SB2521

SUBHEAD: Two food labeling bills are in Hawaii Senate. One genuine and one scripted by GMO companies.

By Michael Schoolz on 10 February 2014 in Island Breath -
(http://islandbreath.blogspot.com/2014/02/oppose-sb110-support-sb2521.html)


Image above: Can European requirements for labeling GMO foods survive US trade negotiations?  From (http://www.bilaterals.org/?will-european-requirements-for).

 You really shined last week in supporting the defeat of SB 110. I believe we are all feeling the sense that we are at a "tipping point" around so many issues. There is so much in the balance right now. The defeat of SB 110 was a wonderful success since

We the People had less than 24 hours to respond prior to the hearing. And that success was also very illustrative of the very fragile tipping point that we have entered here in 2014. It would have required a majority vote of the Agriculture Committee to pass SB 110.

The bill was defeated by a vote of 3 to 3. It was such a very, very clear example of just how important it is right now for us all to let our voices be heard. It was clear that it was our combined voices that allowed us to achieve that victory. It was YOU, showing up, that made the critical difference and made success possible.

And now, the very same people, led once again by Sen. Nishihara, and influenced by the Chemical Companies are trying the very same sneak attack tactic again this week. They have introduced another "short bill", SB111, in an effort to thwart a genuine labeling bill, again taking no testimony on short notice.

Rather than being a genuine labeling bill, SB 111 states that there will be some, yet to be determined, labeling rules put in place over a year from now. The language of SB 111 is as follows:

Agricultural commodities; labeling requirements; penalties.
(a)  Retailers, distributors, farmers, producers, and producer-distributors that sell agricultural commodities for purchase or consumption by consumers shall be subject to labeling requirements pursuant to law or adopted by the board of agriculture through rules.

(b)  No later than July 1, 2015, the board of agriculture shall adopt rules in accordance with chapter 91 to implement this section.
This is a clear effort to confuse the public and distract us from the benefits of another, real labeling bill described below, by promising to implement some yet to be determined rules months from now. To further confuse the issue they have scheduled the hearing for SB 111 at virtually the same time as a real labeling bill.

FIRST ACTION REQUEST:
Please submit your emails OPPOSING SB 111 now!!
You can use the following email addresses.
Sens@capitol.hawaii.gov
Reps@capitol.hawaii.gov
SECOND ACTION REQUEST:
Please submit your emails in SUPPORT of SB 2521. This is a real GMO labeling bill which has substance and merits our support.

You can read the bill at this link:
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2014/bills/SB2521_.HTM

Both of these bills are scheduled for hearing on Monday February 10 between 1:45 and 2:00 PM. So please submit your testimonies ASAP at the following links:
Sens@capitol.hawaii.gov
Reps@capitol.hawaii.gov
 Mahalo All!! This time of "Tipping Points" is critical. It's a time for us to come together and let our combined voices Shine Out brighter than ever.....strongly and consistently!!

Shine on Hawaii!!

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