Senator launches email campaign to block Ha

[Obie]

You can now submit testimony.

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=GM&billnumber=598

You will need to register if you haven't already.

[opihikao]

Update: (*As of this afternoon)

http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=GM&billnumber=598&year=2014

3/27/2014 S The recommendation of the committee(s) on AGL is to ADVISE AND CONSENT to the nomination(s). The votes in AGL were as follows: 7 Aye(s): Senator(s) Nishihara, Kouchi, Dela Cruz, English, L. Thielen, Wakai, Slom; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.

Very pleased with the vote. Mahalo to Mr. Ha for his continued contributions to our food security, and our community.

Hiki No!!!

Chunkster, very kind of you. Thanks so much. Just like factual info, as it helps to form an educated opinion. The more facts we all know the better. JMO.

[Obie]

Over 300 submitted testimony and only 20 were in opposition.

To save face,Ruderman apologized and said he now supports Richard.

[opihikao]

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.

[kalakoa]

Now that the drama is over, we can look forward to a State-level GMO "legalization".

Hooray for the democratic process...

[rainyjim]

Well heck if monsanto and syngenta support him then we know he must have our best interests at heart.

Obviously as shown by the current level of food security and food importation - the Board of Agriculture is doing a GREAT job! Heck maybe soon we'll have food for 3 weeks instead of just 2.

[PaulW]

What makes you think Monsanto supports Richard Ha?
He doesn't even grow GM crops himself, he's not in this to turn a quick buck for himself.

[TomK]

rainyjim,

quote:

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Well heck if monsanto and syngenta support him then we know he must have our best interests at heart.

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Please show just one piece of strong evidence that backs up your claim that Richard Ha is supported by Monsanto and Syngenta. Please do it. I would be willing to change my mind about the whole thing if you could do that.

Thank you.

[rainyjim]

quote:

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Originally posted by opihikao

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.

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This taken from opihikao's post directly above mine.

[Richard Ha]

I am against any of the large seed companies moving to the Big Island to grow seeds. I can't help it if they feel like sending in letters of support. It actually complicates my life. I've told them that when they stand next to me wherever it might be, I need to go get my plastic nose, dark glasses and bushy eyebrow disguise. There is no conspiracy there. I don't get any compensation whatsoever from them.