MAUI COUNTY VOTER INITIATIVE

--- GENETICALLY ENGINEERED ORGANISMS ---

“Should the proposed initiative prohibiting the cultivation or

reproduction of genetically engineered organisms within the County

of Maui, which may be amended or repealed as to a specific person

or entity when required environmental and public health impact

studies, public hearings, a two thirds vote and a determination by the

County Council that such operation or practice meets certain

standards, and which establishes civil and criminal penalties, be

adopted for Maui County?”

Moloka`i and Lāna`i are the only Islands I have not visited.

Ho`olehua, Moloka`i, County of Maui is a special place for me.

Years ago I sought counsel from Walter Ritte. Uncle Walter said to

me, “Clif, your willingness to come to Moloka`i to help with the

cause is appreciated. Moloka`i is much too dangerous for you.” I

asked why. Uncle Walter replied, “You will understand. When the

time is right, you will know.”

Over the years Uncle Walter and I shared our thoughts on many

subjects, water, genetically grown taro, agriculture and Hawaiian

culture, among many others. I called Uncle Walter one day and

asked, “Uncle Walter, when I visualize you and as I see you in the

media you appear often angry and speak loudly. When we speak on

the telephone there is warmth and softness in your voice.” Uncle

Walter’s reply, “Clif, my passion and commitment often are worn on

my sleeve. That is me as I advocate for causes I believe in.”

Recently I called Uncle Walter to ask permission to come to Moloka`i.

Uncle Walter replied, “You need not ask for permission. You are

always welcome. What have you learned?” My reply, “To

understand the culture and the people one must understand the

word “respect”.

Moloka`i and the Maui County Voter Initiative have been on my

mind these few days.

Yesterday, September 22, 2014, I spoke with Mr. Duane Seabolt,

Treasurer of the Citizens Against the Maui County Farming Ban.

Mr. Seabolt and I came to agreement on 2 fundamental issues. First,

that we are free to express our thoughts as guaranteed to us by the

First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Second, that to

speak in terms of “absolutes” is not representative of the facts.

The Maui County Voter Initiative on Genetically Modified

Organisms does not speak in terms of “absolutes”.

The Maui County Voter Initiative on Genetically Modified

Organisms provides the legislative structure for the County of Maui,

the Maui County Council, the Agricultural Businesses operating in

Maui County, the Farmers of Maui County and the Residents of Maui

County to participate on a case by case basis to determine whether or

not an operation or practice meets relevant and applicable standards

for the environment, human health and food safety.

The Maui County Voter Initiative on Genetically Modified

Organisms provides that a determination by the Maui County

Council will be based on studies, public hearings, and a two thirds

vote of the Council.

The Maui County Voter Initiative preserves, protects and respects the

inherent and guaranteed rights and privileges of all parties.

Remember,

NO VOTE

NO GRUMBLE