Ka`u Calendar News Briefs Thursday, July 7, 2016

CANDIDATES FOR STATE OFFICES participated in Independence Day parades in Na`alehu and Volcano. Deadline to register to vote in the Aug. 13 primary is a week from today, on Thursday, July 14 at 4:30 p.m. See https://olvr.hawaii.gov., or call 961-8251.

      Sen. Russell Ruderman, of Kea`au, who represents Senate District II that includes Volcano, Pahala and Na`alehu, brought his wife and baby along for the walks, joined by many supporters. Opponent Greggor Ilagan, of Kea`au, currently a Hawai`i County Council member, sent contingents of sign-wavers to both parades. Candidate Fred Fogel, of Volcano, rode his motorcycle through Volcano Village.

      State Representative for District III, Richard Onishi, of Hilo, also joined the celebrations, along with opponent Ainoa Naniole, of Hilo. Kealoha Pisciotta, of Hilo, who is also running for the office, walked in Volcano’s parade. In Ka`u, District III includes Volcano, Pahala and Honu`apo. Candidate Gregory Arianoff, of Hilo, did not participate.
      Richard Creagan, of Na`alehu, currently holds the office for state Representative District V, which includes Na`alehu and Ocean View. He and his supporters walked in Na`alehu’s parade. Candidate Michael Last, also of Na`alehu, was not present.
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YESTERDAY, THE U.S. SENATE VOTED 65-32 to move forward on bringing a compromise GMO labeling bill to a vote. A final vote on the bill is expected in the coming days.

      “Regardless of your position on GMOs, most of us agree that labeling and disclosing GMOs is important so consumers can make choices about what they eat,” Sen. Mazie Hirono said. “We need a robust debate on how to accomplish this goal, and today’s procedural vote was about having this debate. I will continue to support a mandatory federal labeling system for GMOs that eliminates the need for a state-by-state patchwork approach.”
      Ka`u’s U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard opposes the Senate legislation, saying it would undermine states’ ability to mandate GMO labeling, exempt many common foods from labeling requirements and create unnecessary extra steps for consumers to access basic ingredient information. She said the bill has raised concerns by the FDA, as well as various environmental, food security and consumer interest groups.

      “Nearly 90 percent of Americans support common sense food labeling,” Gabbard said. “Yet the GMO bill voted on by the Senate yesterday is a weak attempt to placate American consumers by creating the illusion of transparency. If this bill was truly intended to expand consumers’ right to know, it would require a clear, easy to read, uniform food labeling standard. Instead, the bill creates a system of electronic codes, symbols and text that are intentionally confusing to consumers. This labeling system requires consumers to jump through hoops for information that should be very basic and straightforward. In addition, it lacks any measures to hold companies accountable if they violate these labeling requirements.

      “More than 30 states across the country, including Hawai`i, have made progress on GMO labeling. Just last week, Vermont became the first state to require GMO labeling. However, if passed, this legislation would pre-empt implementation of Vermont’s law and would prohibit other states from developing their own labeling bills. In addition, this bill narrows the definition of genetic engineering and leaves foods like beef, poultry and eggs without any labeling requirements. This bill is not a good compromise for American consumers and families, and I will do all that I can to defeat it if it comes before the House.”
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State Senate candidate Greggor Ilagan's supporters walking in Volcano's parade.

State Senate candidate Fred Fogel rode his motorcycle in Volcano.

State Rep. candidate Ainoa Naniole

State Rep. candidate Kealoha Pisciotta

 GOV. DAVID IGE SIGNED A BILL into law that broadens the offense of first-degree murder. Previously, the offense had been narrowly defined and limited to rare cases in which there are multiple victims, the victim is killed by a hired killer or the victim was under the specific protection of the courts or law enforcement system.

Surrounded by victim's family members, Gov. Ige signed Joel's Law. Photo from Gov. Ige's Office

      With Ige’s signature, first-degree murder now includes circumstances in which the defendant intentionally or knowingly causes the death of a person by restraining and using that person as a shield, holding that person hostage or for ransom or reward.

Mary Kawena Pukui

Help clean Kamilo Beach tomorrow. Photo by Megan Lamson/HWF