Label It Hawaii and GMOs in Hawaii

Aloha to everyone who listened to us on Na Oiwi Olino.

To learn more about Uncle Walter's GMO Labeling efforts, become a fan of his Facebook page here.

You can also become a fan of Label It Hawaii on Facebook.  (A Label It Hawaii website is currently in development.)

The "Label It Hawaii" effort is the local Hawaii movement to label GMO (genetically modified organism) foods.  A growing number of parents, community members, business leaders, and residents in Hawaii are organizing to require companies to disclose, through labeling, when their products contain ingredients that have been genetically engineered.

Read an overview of benefits and criticisms of genetically modified foods here.

Many states are now considering GMO labeling initiatives, with one of the most potentially influential of these being the ballot initiative in California.

We encourage everyone to educate themselves on this important issue.

Related links

Human Genome Program - Genetically Modified Foods and Organisms
Union of Concerned Scientists - Impacts of Genetic Engineering
Hawaii Crop Improvement Association
Just Label It

Contact the organization by sending a message via the Facebook page or feel free to leave a comment below.

Mahalo!

Call to Action from Uncle Walter Ritte

Aloha Kakou, I am sending out this message and attachment, as information only, although this is an issue that affects all of us, our HEALTH, and our ENVIRONMENT.

Let me explain why an old guy from Molokai is constantly flying to Oahu and helping to lead a charge for LABELING. Molokai is paying the true cost for this "Cheap" GMO food. Our best farm lands are being turned into dust bowls. Soil is not only blowing out into the sea but is being washed by rain down onto our reefs. In the dust are powerful chemicals which are blowing into our cars, schools, Kupuna Housing, Daycare Center, County Baseball Park, Molokai Community College, and hundreds of homes. If this is happening to our island, it must be happening on other islands, we all have na'au to Aloha Aina, and kuleana, to Malama Aina. If I had a choice, I would not buy food that is not grown sustainably...but I do not have that choice. Label it and I will have a choice.

 

LABEL IT HAWAII has a goal to get a Labeling Law passed in Hawaii next year.

We plan to start now in organizing for next year, as the GMO corporations have a huge grip on our Legislature. 

We believe it is your RIGHT to choose what foods you want to feed your family.

We also believe that Labeling will finally allow us to track the negative impacts GMOs have on our health.

I have been sending out lots of "Educational" emails on GMOs and LABELING. Finally I get to send out one that requires us to do something of significance, a three step CALL TO ACTION.

The City and County of Oahu is the only county in our State which has not supported a Labeling bill this year. We have a good chance to change that on April 25th, as we have 3 of the needed 5 votes. 

Here is our first important CALL TO ACTION on our road to the 2013 Legislature.

The City (Oahu) County Council is the important first step. 

A COUNCIL HEARING REGARDING Resolution 12-57, "URGING THE STATE OF HAWAII AND THE FDA TO REQUIRE THE LABELING OF GMOs".

The hearing will be heard at KAPOLEI, not in Honolulu Hale, starting at 10:00am WEDNESDAY APRIL 25, 20012

Here are the three action items: 

 

1. CALL THE COUNCIL MEMBERS. We need 5 votes, (Berg and Gabbard are solid supporters, no need call them).

ERNIE MARTIN:768-5002 he is the chairman from north shore and needs a lot of persuasion, he supports GMOs.

IKAIKA ANDERSON: 768-5003 Kailua and Waimanalo guys need to talk with him

STANLY CHANG: 768-5004 he is on the fence (voted yes with reservation at committee level) enough calls may get him to support 

ANN KOBAYASHI: 768-5005 she is budget chair and must be influential on the council

ROMY CACHOLA: 768-5007 Kalihi is his district

BREENE HARIMOTO: 768-5008 he did turn around and vote yes at the committee level.

NESTOR GARCIA: 768-5009 Kunia and Kapolei is his district, he also needs a lot of persuasion.

2. SUBMIT TESTIMONY, ON LINE OR IN PERSON ON THE 25TH 

3. JOIN US AT 9:00AM ON THE 25TH AT KAPOLEI WITH LABELING SIGNS FOR A "SUPPORT RALLY" prior to hearing. (See Attachment)

Lets see if we can make Social Media work, lets get the word out and action done. Walter Ritte

Here is a letter from Label It Hawaii sent to the startadvertiser as an oped, not sure if and when they will print it. It does show our concerns and position on Labeling. It may take a few readings to get all of the information. As Americans, we value the basic right to choose from a wide variety of foods in the marketplace, to make informed choices as to what we feed ourselves and our families. Presently this right is being denied to the more than 90 percent of Americans (MSNBC poll) who want to know if a food contains genetically modified organisms (GMO). Why? Because our government does not require these products to be labeled. As a result, Americans are eating GMO foods without informed consent, despite the fact that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires no independent safety testing of these transgenic ingredients. In fact, documents uncovered in litigation show that FDA scientists believe that GMO foods could pose serious risks and need stringent testing, but were overruled by administrative superiors. As a result, the FDA merely has a weak “voluntary consultation” process with biotech crop developers and relies entirely on whatever data the companies choose to disclose to governmental agencies. The FDA does not even approve GMO foods as safe, but defers to industry assurances. The international food safety authority, Codex Alimentarius, ruled last year that labeling is justified to enable tracking of potential adverse health effects triggered by GMO foods. Nearly fifty countries with 40% of the world’s population—including the European Union members, Japan, Brazil, Russia, and China—have laws mandating labeling of GMO foods. The FDA’s anti-GMO labeling policy rests on the antiquated doctrine that only those changes in food that can be detected by taste, smell or other senses need to be labeled. Since GMO food differences cannot be “sensed” in this way, the FDA declared that GMO foods are not materially different from conventionally produced foods and no labeling is required. This policy—based on 19th-century science—is entirely inadequate to deal with the changes to food that can be triggered by genetic engineering. Potential hazards presented by GMO foods include the presence of novel toxins, elevated levels of native plant toxins, and reduced nutritional content. It may take years, even generations, before adverse effects of GMO foods are known. For example, many Hawai‘i kupuna remember being sprayed with DDT as children to control head lice. First synthesized in 1874, DDT became a widespread, highly accepted, and extremely profitable pesticide . Eventua the adverse health and environmental effects were recognized, and despite intense opposition from manufacturers, states across the country began to ban the use of DDT. Finally, after decades of use, the EPA issued a ban on DDT in 1972. Despite industry rhetoric about miracle “supercrops,” the vast majority of commercial GMO crops are “super” only in their ability to withstand spraying with potent herbicides—sharply increasing toxic herbicide use and triggering an epidemic of herbicide-resistant weeds. Thus, mandatory labeling would also give akamai consumers the ability to choose whether the foods they consume are produced in a sustainable manner. For over a decade, federal GMO-labeling legislation has been introduced but has failed to pass. But there’s hope. Currently 55 members of Congress, including Senator Dan Akaka, have signed a letter of support to label GMO products. Locally, Hawai‘i is one of 14 states seeking mandatory labeling of GMO foods, evidence of the unprecedented groundswell of support for labeling across the nation. Hawai‘i prides itself on leading the nation in efforts to protect the safety of our food and the health of our environment. We demand that the Hawai‘i State Legislature stop listening to corporate lobbyists and instead to the voices and will of its citizens. Anything less is a betrayal of the public’s trust and our right to know how our food is produced. PHONE CALLS AND EMAILS ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY WILL HELP US GET THE NEEDED VOTES TO PASS THIS RESOLUTION. WALTER RITTE

Oahu residents can expect an increase of strong storm activity overnight and into tomorrow

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Department of Emergency Management
City and County of Honolulu
Thursday, March 8, 2012

Oahu residents can expect an increase of strong storm activity overnight and into tomorrow

The National Weather Service has informed the Department of Emergency Management that Oahu can expect an increase of strong storm activity overnight and into tomorrow.  Heavy rainfall and flooding, strong thunderstorm winds, hail and frequent periods of lightning are forecast with the peak effects occurring sometime Friday afternoon.

Although rainfall could be intense at times the bands of showers should move quickly over Oahu as the storm system tracks west of the state today thru Saturday. 

Oahu is currently under a Flash Flood Watch thru Friday afternoon.  A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop quickly that could lead to flash flooding.  Residents should be aware that it does not have to be raining heavily where they are for flash flooding to occur. Everyone should monitor TV and radio for the latest weather information and be prepared to take immediate action should the Flash Flood Watch be replaced with a Flash Flood Warning.  

Flash Flood Preparedness

When a flash flood WARNING is issued for your area, or the moment you realize that a flash flood is imminent, act quickly to save yourself. You may have only SECONDS!   Go to higher ground or climb to safety!

·         Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, washes, etc. Avoid already flooded and high velocity flow areas. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams.

·         If driving, be aware that the road bed may not be intact under flood waters. Turn around and go another way. NEVER drive through flooded roadways!

·         Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.

·         Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.

When you receive a FLASH FLOOD WARNING:

·         If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.  Move to a safe area before access is cut off by flood water.

·         Continue monitoring NOAA Weather Radio, television or radio for information.

During the flood:

·         Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding.

·         If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, STOP! Turn around and go another way.  Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road. The depth of water is not always obvious. The road bed may be washed out under the water, and you could be stranded or trapped.   Remember . . . Turn around, don’t drown!

·         Children should NEVER play around high water, storm drains, culverts or viaducts.

·         Should you have a flood related emergency call 9-1-1 immediately.

·         Go to www.nixle.com/dem to sign up for email and text message alerts from the Department of Emergency Management.

-- End --

For more information media only:

John M. Cummings III
Public Information Officer
Department of Emergency Management
City and County of Honolulu
650 South King Street
Honolulu, HI. 96813
808-723-8960 Office
808-499-7937 Cell
808-524-3439 Fax

Follow DEM!

On the World Wide Web: www.OahuDEM.org

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/OahuDEM

On Twitter: www.twitter.com/Oahu_DEM

Sign up for free alerts to your cell phone and / or email account at www.nixle.com/dem provided by the City & County of Honolulu

BE FIRST, BE RIGHT, BE CREDIBLE

Crisis Emergency Risk Communication - CERC

WTCAC Native American Student Summer Internship Program

Deadline: February 24!

Wisconsin Tribal Conservation Advisory Council (WTCAC)

Native American Student Summer Internship Program

The Wisconsin Tribal Conservation Advisory Council (WTCAC) is advertising thirteen (13) summer internship positions, headquartered in various USDA Agency offices in Wisconsin, for Native American students pursuing degrees in Natural Resources, Biological Sciences, Agriculture, or Agricultural Business.  Rural Development (RD) will also accept applicants pursuing Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or Management degrees.  These will be USDA Earth Team Volunteer positions, employed by WTCAC, with potential training and work experiences at nearby Tribal Nations.

WTCAC has Internship positions available at the following locations.  At the present time funds exist to fill 6 of the positions.  Additional positions may be filled as funds become available.  Only one application is necessary to apply for any, or all, of the identified internship positions.  The WTCAC Board of Directors will determine which positions to fill at the end of the application period.

Ashland – USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service – 1 position

               - USDA Forest Service, Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center – 2 positions

                        - Housing is possible

Hayward – USDA Forest Service – 1 position

La Crosse – USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and USDA Animal & Plant Health

                    Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine – 1 position

Oneida – USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service – 1 position

Rhinelander – USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service – 1 position

         - USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services – 1 position.

Shawano – USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service – 1 position

Spooner – USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Rural Development – 1 position

Statewide – USDA Rural Development – 1 position

Watersmeet, MI – USDA Forest Service, JW Toumey Nursery – 2 positions

                                    - Housing is available

See the individual announcements, for each of the locations, for information as to work duties, etc.

Position Information

·        First day of work will be June 4^th with an anticipated end date of August 10^th.

·        June 4^th is Student Orientation at the USDA Service Center Office in Medford, WI.

·        Each position will be employed for 10 weeks for a total of 400 hours @ $12.50/hr. 

·        Federal holidays will be paid but there is not any paid annual leave or sick leave.  Student may work with Supervisor to schedule family vacations and other needed time off, and extend work period beyond August 10^th to complete the 400 hours.

·        From June 12^th to 15^th students will attend the UW Platteville Conservation Camp.  (Tentative Date) WTCAC will cover all travel expenses and tuition.

Enrolled Tribal members get priority for the 6 internship positions.  If a position cannot be filled with an enrolled member, then it will be filled with other Tribal applicants.

Application Information

·        Application package should include:

o   Resume

o   Photocopy of a valid Driver’s License.

o   Copy of latest transcript (photocopy of an official transcript is acceptable)

o   Letter of Interest describing why you want this position, future career goals, etc.

·        Indicate in Letter of Interest which position/positions you are applying for.  May apply for multiple positions with only one application.  List them in priority order.

·        Application deadline is February 24, 2012.

·        Interviews will be the first two weeks of March with applicants selected by March 16^th.

·        Mail application package to: WTCAC, Attn: Jerry Thompson, E3200 1430^th Avenue, Prairie Farm, WI 54762  or;

·        Email application package to: WTCAC1@gmail.com

·        Questions may be directed to Jerry Thompson at 715-821-0555 or at the above email.

·        Internship information will also be posted on the WTCAC website;  www.WTCAC.org

Heather K. Stricker

Wildlife Resources Program Director

Forest County Potawatomi Community

PO Box 340

Crandon, WI. 54520

Phone: 715-478-4196

Fax: 715-478-7225

Email: Heather.Stricker@fcpotawatomi-nsn.gov