GaryHooser's Blog

If you care about the health risks and wonder about the integrity of the agrochemical companies operations in Hawaii, please, please, please take a moment to read this and share it with your friends and neighbors.

****The New England Journal of Medicine – GMOs, Herbicides, and Public Health http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1505660

“The first of the two developments that raise fresh concerns about the safety of GM crops is a 2014 decision by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to approve Enlist Duo, a new combination herbicide comprising glyphosate plus 2,4-D…”

“In our view, the science and the risk assessment supporting the Enlist Duo decision are flawed. The science consisted solely of toxicologic studies commissioned by the herbicide manufacturers in the 1980s and 1990s and never published, not an uncommon practice in U.S. pesticide regulation.

These studies predated current knowledge of low-dose, endocrine-mediated, and epigenetic effects and were not designed to detect them. The risk assessment gave little consideration to potential health effects in infants and children, thus contravening federal pesticide law. It failed to consider ecologic impact, such as effects on the monarch butterfly and other pollinators. It considered only pure glyphosate, despite studies showing that formulated glyphosate that contains surfactants and adjuvants is more toxic than the pure compound.”

****DuPont And The Chemistry of Deception: by Sharon Lerner (first in three part series) This article was reported in partnership with The Investigative Fund at The Nation Institute. A well written and powerful investigative report. https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2015/08/11/dupont-chemistry-deception/

“DuPont scientists had closely studied the chemical for decades and through their own research knew about some of the dangers it posed. Yet rather than inform workers, people living near the plant, the general public, or government agencies responsible for regulating chemicals, DuPont repeatedly kept its knowledge secret.

Another revelation about C8 makes all of this more disturbing and gives the upcoming trials, the first of which will be held this fall in Columbus, Ohio, global significance: This deadly chemical that DuPont continued to use well after it knew it was linked to health problems is now practically everywhere.

A man-made compound that didn’t exist a century ago, C8 is in the blood of 99.7 percent of Americans, according to a 2007 analysis of data from the Centers for Disease Control, as well as in newborn human babies, breast milk, and umbilical cord blood.”

****In case you missed it earlier: Here is the entire 4 minute video of remarks I delivered to the Syngenta Shareholders Meeting held in Basel Switzerland. https://youtu.be/e0zz7cV_Qe8

****And if you are not familiar with the who, what and why we went to Switzerland in the first place here is the full story. https://garyhooser.wordpress.com/2015/05/03/from-kauai-to-switzerland-why-we-went-what-we-accomplished-and-whats-next/

****Finally: WATCH THIS 23 MINUTE FILM – IT IS EXTRAORDINARY http://ainafeeds.us/film ʻĀINA means “that which feeds us” in the Hawaiian language. This 23 minute film highlights a way to address some of the most pressing environmental and health crises facing the island of Kauaʻi – and of island Earth.

Why I March

I told a friend recently that I was getting too old to fight for incremental change, only to settle for a study or a task force.  Frankly, I am tired of having state legislators (of which I used to be one), council-members (of which I am one) and members of congress (of which I once tried to be one) tell us all the reasons why nothing can be done.

I am tired of watching big corporations cause irreparable harm to our health, our natural environment and our planet itself, while our government stands on the side and does nothing or actually facilitates the injustice under the guise that the offender is actually in “compliance” of the law.

Government will tell us these large multi-national billion dollar corporations are “following the rules”, but fail to remind us that these same entities fund the politicians that make those same rules.

And so I march.

Aloha ‘Āina is not about checking off a box on a permit showing the applicant has minimally complied with some provision on a list.

As my friends in the Aloha ‘Āina movement have taught me, Aloha ‘Āina is understanding that stewardship is not a burdensome impediment to development but a joyful responsibility that should be embraced and celebrated.

Aloha ‘Āina is about core values and pro-active advocacy on behalf of those values.

The Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) is an entity whose members are appointed by the Governor of Hawai`i and is responsible for the management of over 15,000 acres of State owned agricultural lands.  These are State/Public/Crown lands. The vast majority of these lands are leased to the largest chemical companies in the world, not to grow food for local consumption but to grow experimental genetically modified crops that eventually end up somewhere else in the world as cattle feed, high fructose corn syrup or ethanol.

These companies sell and use tons of highly restricted use pesticides throughout Hawai`i — many of which are banned in other countries.  These same companies are involved in lawsuits against Kauai County, Maui County and Hawai`i County who have attempted to regulate their actions.

These large multi-national corporations do not pay General Excise Tax on their production and their operations are subsidized by county property tax laws.  They operate shrouded in secrecy and they refuse to disclose both the amount and types of pesticides they use and the type of experimental crops they are growing.

Even though an agency of the World Health Organization has declared glyphosate a probable carcinogen, these companies have refused to disclose the amount of glyphosate they are using each day in our community.

The ADC, who manages these State/Public/Crown lands is focused on the revenue generated from the high lease rents paid by these large chemical companies.  The ADC has refused to require soil testing for pesticide residue as these companies exit their leases, even though there is clear evidence of heavy use of restricted use pesticides on these same lands.  The ADC is now seeking an exemption from a required National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit in order to save money and avoid the higher standards of clean water reporting required by the Federal Government and State Department of Health.

Operating under the spirit and values of Aloha ‘Āina, would mean this agency responsible for managing public lands would seek the highest level of protections for health and the environment, not seek exemptions and minimal protections.

This is only one example and extends throughout government agencies at almost all levels.

Instead of seeking first to protect and preserve via Aloha ‘Āina and embracing the precautionary principle, our government leans increasingly toward a cost/benefit analysis.  The sad part is that the people and the environment are paying the costs and the corporations and their enablers are reaping the benefit.

If you are on Oahu, tomorrow Sunday August 9^th, please join me along with many friends to send a message loud and clear that people and the environment must come first.  We expect thousands of Hawai`i residents to march through Waikiki and help send the message that Aloha `Āina is about much more than just a box on a permit that gets checked off as quickly and as cheaply as possible.

March with us to send a message that environmental stewardship is a mindset and a core value that demands advocacy. Join H.A.P.A. on Saratoga Road near Kalakaua sat 10am put on a free HAPA t-shirt (while supplies last) and march with us for justice.

Aloha ‘Āina Unity March is to express political views regarding issues that are impacting the management and use of land and natural resources in Hawai`i.  At the forefront of these issues are the construction of TMT on Mauna Kea, regulation of pesticide use and genetically modified organisms on agricultural lands in rural communities throughout the state, and mismanagement of agricultural lands across the State.

Regardless of how one might feel about the various individual battles and issues presently going on in Hawai`i, one thing is clear – the decisions that are being made by government with regards to managing these issues is not based on Aloha ‘Āina.

This is not about being for or against science, or GMOs or telescopes or even development.  This is about putting the values of people and the environment first.

Please join us tomorrow, Sunday August 9 at 10am, on Saratoga Road and march through Waikiki in unity and in support for Aloha ‘Āina.

A very short video about the event is here: https://www.facebook.com/395112027349071/videos/vb.395112027349071/401652516695022/?type=2&theater

The event FB page is here:  https://www.facebook.com/events/400520650136449

The below items are on the Kauai County Council agenda Wednesday August 5.

I encourage Kauai residents to let all Councilmembers know how you feel about these issues – Email counciltestimony@kauai.gov

NOTE: Separate email testimony for each issue is highly recommended

1) Bill 2590 – Repealing the Barking Dog Ordinance
This Bill was introduced by Councilmember Kagawa.  I am strongly opposed to this measure and intend to vote NO. The barking dog ordinance is working, is much needed and can be amended if needed rather than repealed
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2) Resolution 2015-53 RESOLUTION PROPOSING A CHARTER AMENDMENT RELATING TO THE PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION FUND – At present the amount dedicated is at one-half of one percent and the proposal is to increase it to one and one-half percent (1.5%)
I introduced this Resolution and so am in strong support. The Council recently cut the funds to this important fund and this charter amendment will establish it at 1.5% and ensure that there is a firm and long term commitment to preserving and expanding open space, beach access, agricultural lands and other natural areas. This measure does not raise any taxes but only directs that a set amount of funding goes toward a specific purpose.

3) Resolution 2015-55 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A PERFORMANCE AUDIT OF THE KAUA’I HUMANE SOCIETY, PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 3.12(B) AND 32.02(A)(2), KAUA’I COUNTY CHARTER
This Bill was introduced by Councilmember Rapozo and is in response to the controversy that has surrounded the Kauai Humane Society these past few months. The County of Kauai is a major funder of this organization and so it is reasonable that the County should look closely at their operations. Others would argue though that the money spent on an audit which could cost $150,000 might be better spent on expanding the spay and neuter program or other important needs. I am inclined to support the audit but open to hearing the public testimony and further review before making my final decision.

The Garden Island Newspaper reports on the issue here: http://thegardenisland.com/news/local/rapozo-audit-kauai-humane-society/article_fdbc61cd-c4fb-581c-a8ab-9c4ade8a13d2.html

PLEASE SEND IN YOUR TESTIMONY TODAY TO counciltestimony@kauai.gov, and before Wednesday August 5.

Coming soon: Resolution 2015-52 RESOLUTION PROPOSING A CHARTER AMENDMENT RELATING TO TERM LIMITS FOR COUNCILMEMBERS
Councilmember Kagawa is proposing to put on the 2016 Ballot a proposal to repeal term limits for councilmembers which are presently set at 8 years (4 two year terms). I am strongly opposed to this proposal and encourage everyone to also share their perspective with all members of the Kauai County Council. The Garden Island Newspaper reports on this issue here: http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/editorial/repeal-of-term-limits-isn-t-necessary/article_da98aadd-fdea-5b57-a450-e4d377362a0f.html

NOTE: Separate email testimony for each issue is highly recommended

Details of each measure can be found below:

RESOLUTION PROPOSING A CHARTER AMENDMENT RELATING TO THE PUBLIC ACCESS, OPEN SPACE, NATURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION FUND
http://kauai.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=432&meta_id=91988

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A PERFORMANCE AUDIT OF THE KAUA’I HUMANE SOCIETY, PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 3.12(B) AND 32.02(A)(2), KAUA’I COUNTY CHARTER
http://kauai.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=432&meta_id=92020

A BILL FOR AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 22, KAUA’I COUNTY CODE 1987, AS AMENDED, BY REPEALING ARTICLE 25, RELATING TO BARKING DOGS
http://kauai.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=432&meta_id=91970

Pulling Back The Curtain: Jury verdict unanimous, DuPont Pioneer guilty of harming Waimea Kauai residents

It has taken years for Waimea residents to finally hold DuPont Pioneer accountable and it is still not over.  However yesterday a jury in Honolulu unanimously ruled that this company must pay for the damages caused by their irresponsible actions.

According to the Honolulu Star Advertiser story which is behind a paywall:  http://tinyurl.com/p2r9oqt

You can also find the story here for free: http://tinyurl.com/nlsbpr7

“The verdict said DuPont Pioneer failed to follow generally accepted agricultural and management practices from Dec. 13, 2009, to Dec. 31, 2011, and that the “seriousness of the harm to each plaintiff outweighs the public benefit of Pioneer’s farming operation.” ”

The court action focused on property damage caused by the vast amounts of pesticide laden dust that has blown on to these homes and residents for years.

However, if the dust is bad enough to cause property damage then it surely must be causing damage also to health and environment.

To be clear, this lawsuit is unrelated to the Syngenta led suit against the County of Kauai now under appeal.  The existence of the DuPont Pioneer lawsuit was early evidence that when combined with many other factors, precipitated the introduction of Bill 2491 and the attempt to regulate this industry on Kauai.

Credit for victory goes entirely to the perseverance of Waimea Town residents.

The façade presented through the “Good Neighbor” persona created by the community relations and media guru’s of these companies is quickly evaporating.

No amount of money or industry PR can erase the fact that a unanimous jury decision found them guilty of harm.

The curtain is being drawn back for the whole world to now see the hypocrisy of DuPont Pioneer calling themselves a “good neighbor” while continuing to cause damage to local residents for years after the initial complaints were filed.

Meanwhile another self proclaimed “good neighbor” Syngenta continues to use and sell highly toxic Restricted Use Pesticides on Kauai and through-out Hawaii (atrazine, paraquat and 4 others) that are illegal to use in their own country.

What kind of good neighbor uses toxic pesticides by the ton in their neighbor’s yard but yet uses zero of these chemicals in their own yard back home in Switzerland because their laws will not allow it (all the while telling you how safe it is)?  Syngenta will deny and obfuscate this fact.  But if you have doubts, read this recent New York Times article http://tinyurl.com/m4qkma6 about how Syngenta misrepresents the truth with regards to the use of atrazine in their own country.

What kind of good neighbors sue their local government for merely requiring modest disclosure and basic buffer zones around schools, hospitals and homes?

It will be interesting to see how the industry spins this one.

These companies are harming our community.  They consistently misrepresent themselves, the nature of their actions and the negative impact of their actions on our health, environment and yes on our property as well.

Community members who live near the fields and have to deal with these companies up close and personal know this.  Those of us who have been involved in this battle for the past few years know it as well.

I am increasingly hopeful that more and more residents of Kauai and all Hawaii will begin to see and understand the nature and urgency of our efforts and join with us in demanding accountability.

Mahalo to those residents and community leaders who have persevered and are responsible for this win.  Auwe to those government and industry leaders who have failed in their duties to support these good people.

Gary Hooser

Note:  On April 28th, in the city of Basel Switzerland, I attended and spoke at the annual shareholders meeting of the transnational corporation and chemical giant, Syngenta. Detailed account of trip is on the Hooser Blog http://tinyurl.com/m67khzk

2 minutes and 45 second video of the FIRST part of my remarks to the Syngenta shareholders: http://tinyurl.com/m77votm

1 minute and 33 second SECOND segment as security attempts to prevent the recording: http://tinyurl.com/muz6p8y

A 4 minute video of history of movement in Hawaii:   https://vimeo.com/125756488

If you are not familiar with my background or with the background concerning Bill 2491 and Kauai’s battle against the 4 largest chemical companies in the world, you might find this video interesting and informative.  Please skip the first 3 minutes of the introduction if you like: http://tinyurl.com/qff9tlr