Hawaii County Council voted 5-4  in support of Res 22.14 to appeal Judge Barry Kurren's decision against Hawaii County's GMO ban law.

Thank God for Council Chair, Dru Kanuha, voted FOR Res. 22-14.  His vote saved the male reputation.  Otherwise it would have been all females For and all males Against.

To Council members Aaron Chung, Greggor Iligan, Dennis Onishi, and Danny Paleka who voted NO

Aloha Council members,

Like you, I sat through many hours of testimony today and was very moved by what I heard from a broad cross section of our island in support of Res. 22-14. (As usual Dennis Onishi was absent for much of the testimony.) I was especially moved by young Hawaiian families, the children speaking for their future of aloha aina, and even Vietnam vets making links between Agent Orange chemical warfare and the toxic chemicals used in GMOs produced by the same companies.

Fair and open democracy is under attack all across the U.S. by big money vested interests. It is concentrating more and more power in the hands of a few.  Corruption is blatant.  Big money is buying votes.  The higher you go the more money will flow. In many areas Big Money is succeeding: Wall St. deregulation and FDIC insuring derivatives, spiking campaign contribution by the super rich, giveaways of public lands for fracking, and the effort to require labels on GMO foods.  Counties throughout Hawaii have been different.  People have spoken up and their votes and voices counted in passing local ordinances to control GMOs.

I was very disappointed to see that you voted NO on Res. 22 – 14 to deny our GMO law to go through the court process on appeal. By your vote you have taken a clear stand, not only against the voice of the people of Hawaii County but our right to our day in court.   This issue is about our right of Home Rule in standing up to powerful corporate interests.  Instead of standing with us, you have chosen to stand with money and power.  In short you have chosen to stand for corporate occupation of government, corporate occupation of our economy, our food and our future.  Instead of standing for aloha aina, and the vision and hopes expressed by all the people, especially the young people, who testified so eloquently today, you have chosen to stand for the short sighted profits of chemical warfare companies that don’t give a rip about the children and future of Hawaii County.  Greed is their game and poison is their name.

Shame on you Aaron Chung, Dennis Ohishi, Greggor Iligan, and Danny Paleka.  You disgrace yourselves, your families, your public office and the democratic process.

These are strong words but I want you to know that I never give up on anyone, including myself.  I believe in redemption, but Mama Aina, the living God, is telling all of us that we are pushing the limits.  Poisons in our air, water, soil, rising cancers, climate change, intense storms, etc. etc.  She is telling us in terms that are crystal clear: we better listen and change our ways.  Time is running short.

Today’s vote on Hawaii County Res. 22-14
Aaron Chung : No, Maile David: Yes, Val Poindexter: Yes, Greggor Iligan : No, Dennis Onishi : No, Danny Paleka : No, Karen Eoff : Yes, Margaret Wille : Yes, Dru Kanuha (chair): Yes….passed 5-4!!!!!!!!

Great news. I was very impressed with the testimony in support of Res 22.14 to appeal  Judge Barry Kurren’s decision against Hawaii County’s GMO ban law.

Christmas Peace – Where?

      The domestic police killings of unarmed civilians in Ferguson, New York City and elsewhere do not take place in a vacuum. Our militarized police practices are directly connected to global U.S. military/CIA policies of torture, targeted assassinations, killer drones, and endless pre-emptive wars of empire. Together they work to further the corrupt financial interests of Wall St. Banks and the military-industrial complex at the expense of ordinary people, especially people of color. This systematic violence at home and abroad is why Dr. King referred to the U.S. as “the greatest purveyor of violence in the world today.” King’s words were true in 1967 and they remain true today with the violence becoming even more pervasive despite efforts by spin doctors to rationalize it.

      The gap between rich and poor in the U.S. has never been wider, and the corrupt government policies that favor corporations and the rich have never been more blatant. It’s “in your face” violence and greed. Wall St. corruption pushed millions out of jobs and their homes. Instead of charging Wall St. bankers with crimes, the government rewards them with deregulation of derivatives, gives them bonuses and bailouts, and then criminalizes the homeless, the victims of Wall St. crimes. These same greedy bankers and corporate interest have pushed the planet to the brink of economic and ecological collapse and are threatening WWIII for control of resources. This Holy season is a call for ordinary people around the world to declare a global state of emergency: unite issues for the common good and stand in solidarity and nonviolent resistance for peace, justice and the earth.

There will be No Peace Without Justice!

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all!

1. Mourn all victims of violence. 2. Reject war as a solution. 3. Defend civil liberties. 4. Oppose all discrimination, anti-Islamic, anti-Semitic, anti-Hawaiian, etc.
5. Seek peace through justice in Hawai`i and around the world.
Contact: Malu `Aina Center for Non-violent Education & Action P.O. Box 489 Kurtistown, Hawai`i 96760.
Phone (808) 966-7622. Email:ja@malu-aina.org  http://www.malu-aina.org

Hilo Peace Vigil leaflet (Dec. 19, 2014 – 691st week) – Friday 3:30-5PM downtown Post Office

ANNUAL SILENT CANDLELIGHT-VIGIL

FOR PEACE

 ALL ARE WELCOME

WHEN:  Wednesday,  December 24th, 4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Hwy 11, Hilo (between Ross and Walgreens)

Let’s overcome the holiday message of materialism and instead hold a light to its spiritual message of loving kindness, peace and good will to all.  Global, AND LOCAL suffering is increasing with on-going wars, poverty, and destruction of our environment. May the glow of our candles and our SILENT presence serve as testimony that a better way is possible. Let us strengthen our resolve to end suffering and dedicate our lives to caring for each other and working for justice, peace, and aloha ‘aina (love for the land), here in Hawaii and around the world.

COME JOIN US

AS WE RAISE A CANDLE FOR PEACE

AND THE HEALING OF OUR PLANET

If you can, please bring a peaceful sign and a wind-protected candle or lantern, and be prepared for a chance of rain.

1. Mourn all victims of violence. 2. Reject war as a solution. 3. Defend civil liberties. 4. Oppose all discrimination, anti-Islamic, anti-Semitic, anti-Hawaiian, etc.
   5. Seek peace through justice in Hawai`i and around the world.
   Malu `Aina Center for Non-violent Education & Action P.O. Box AB Kurtistown, Hawai`i 96760.
   Phone (808) 966-7622.  Email ja@malu-aina.org http://www.malu-aina.org