Unfortunately, Councilmember Ashley Kierkiewicz one of the key votes needed and who was previously in support of Bill 101, “flipped” and voted against over-riding Mayor Kim’s veto – thus the attempt failed. Mayor Kim’s veto was not over-ridden and Monsanto and the Chemical industry won this round.

It seems beyond comprehension that when the American Academy of Pediatrics testifies in support of the veto override and Monsanto testifies in opposition – that Monsanto wins.

Please note they won this round only and there will be many, many more rounds.

For those who may feel dispirited by the outcome I offer this quote:

“Fate whispers to the warrior, ‘You cannot withstand the storm.’ The warrior whispers back, ‘I am the storm.’” Source Unknown.

I also encourage folks to commend and thank Bill 101’s primary introducer Councilmember Rebecca Villegas and those other 4 Councilmember’s who supported the override attempt.

The entire list and contact info is HERE and Below:

Those who support Bill 101 and the banning herbicides on Hawaii County parks, roads, facilities:

rebecca.villegas@hawaiicounty.gov (Bill 101 introducer and yes to override the veto)

maile.david@hawaiicounty.gov (Bill 101 supporter and yes to override the veto)

valerie.poindexter@hawaiicounty.gov (Bill 101 supporter and yes to override the veto)

karen.eoff@hawaiicounty.gov (Bill 101 supporter and yes to override the veto)

matt.kanealii-kleinfelder@hawaiicounty.gov (Bill 101 supporter and yes to override the veto)

Those who ultimately opposed Bill 101 and supported Mayor Kim’s veto:

aaron.chung@hawaiicounty.gov

sue.leeloy@hawaiicounty.gov

tim.richards@hawaiicounty.gov

ashley.kierkiewicz@hawaiicounty.gov (Councilmember Kierkiewicz was an initial yes vote and then “flipped” her vote and supported Mayor Kim’s veto)

I encourage all to email the Councilmembers your thoughts on this important issue.