03-28-2014, 04:14 AM
FYI: (*Snipped - More at link)
http://www.civilbeat.com/articles/2014/03/28/21630-senate-panel-oks-ag-board-nominee-over-opposition-from-anti-gmo-activists/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=hawaii
A Hawaii Senate panel approved Richard Ha’s nomination to the Board of Agriculture on Thursday despite resistance from opponents of genetically modified farming.
The farmer from the Big Island has already served on the state board for four years, but his re-appointment made headlines earlier this month when a freshman senator from the same island launched an online campaign urging people to call on other senators to oppose Ha.
Despite his intentions, Ruderman’s email backfired. The Senate Agriculture Committee received overwhelming testimony in support of Ha from individuals ranging from Big Island residents to representatives of biotech companies like Monsanto and Syngenta. The panel approved Ha’s nomination unanimously Thursday, and several committee members criticized Ruderman’s effort to derail Ha’s nomination.
“There's no doubt that Richard Ha has been under unfair scrutiny,” said Agriculture Committee Chairman Clarence Nishihara.
Sen. Sam Slom, the only Republican in the Senate, called criticism of Ha “scurrilous” and Sen. Malama Solomon from the Big Island, said in a statement that Ha has been the subject of “unfortunate, unwarranted and unfair scrutiny.”
The critical testimony from anti-GMO activists about Ha also failed to sway Sen. Ronald Kouchi from Kauai.
“It is painful to see the integrity of an individual just being dragged through the mud like that when all he's trying to do is feed the people of Hawaii,” Kouchi said.
Ruderman said he’s embarrassed about the email. He regrets his harsh words toward Ha and sent him a letter of apology earlier this week.
The two met before the confirmation hearing in Sen. Les Ihara’s office, where Ruderman apologized again.
BIG mea culpa, huh? Too little too late. Damage done. Character, or lack thereof, is clear. JMO.
http://www.civilbeat.com/articles/2014/03/28/21630-senate-panel-oks-ag-board-nominee-over-opposition-from-anti-gmo-activists/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=hawaii
A Hawaii Senate panel approved Richard Ha’s nomination to the Board of Agriculture on Thursday despite resistance from opponents of genetically modified farming.
The farmer from the Big Island has already served on the state board for four years, but his re-appointment made headlines earlier this month when a freshman senator from the same island launched an online campaign urging people to call on other senators to oppose Ha.
Despite his intentions, Ruderman’s email backfired. The Senate Agriculture Committee received overwhelming testimony in support of Ha from individuals ranging from Big Island residents to representatives of biotech companies like Monsanto and Syngenta. The panel approved Ha’s nomination unanimously Thursday, and several committee members criticized Ruderman’s effort to derail Ha’s nomination.
“There's no doubt that Richard Ha has been under unfair scrutiny,” said Agriculture Committee Chairman Clarence Nishihara.
Sen. Sam Slom, the only Republican in the Senate, called criticism of Ha “scurrilous” and Sen. Malama Solomon from the Big Island, said in a statement that Ha has been the subject of “unfortunate, unwarranted and unfair scrutiny.”
The critical testimony from anti-GMO activists about Ha also failed to sway Sen. Ronald Kouchi from Kauai.
“It is painful to see the integrity of an individual just being dragged through the mud like that when all he's trying to do is feed the people of Hawaii,” Kouchi said.
Ruderman said he’s embarrassed about the email. He regrets his harsh words toward Ha and sent him a letter of apology earlier this week.
The two met before the confirmation hearing in Sen. Les Ihara’s office, where Ruderman apologized again.
BIG mea culpa, huh? Too little too late. Damage done. Character, or lack thereof, is clear. JMO.