• Bills give PUC new authority over KIUC • Food labeling is a consumer’s right • Not safe from pesticides • Don’t learn the power of the sea the hard way • Class action lawsuit against Syngenta Bills give PUC
• Bills give PUC new authority over KIUC • Food labeling is a consumer’s right • Not safe from pesticides • Don’t learn the power of the sea the hard way • Class action lawsuit against Syngenta
Bills give PUC new authority over KIUC
When Walter Lewis sits in his Princeville home and pecks out confusion and misinformation against our utility cooperative, it is not new. Mr. Lewis has opposed KIUC since its inception, and remains one of the few customers who choose not to become a KIUC member.
In his most recent column, he starts by claiming that HB 815 and SB 1045 remove KIUC from regulatory oversight by the Public Utilities Commission, which of course is false. They don’t.
The bills take away no authority, and indeed give the PUC new authority over KIUC. That includes the authority to protect consumers by exempting KIUC from expensive regulatory dockets that don’t apply to cooperatives.
Mr. Lewis’ confused argument demands that KIUC give members “meaningful controls” over things like rate changes. Well, that would involve taking that power away from the PUC — the very thing Mr. Lewis says he wants to avoid. Rate changes remain in the hands of the PUC.
While the two bills in the Legislature expand the PUC’s power to protect Kaua‘i consumers, Mr. Lewis rails that they could “abet a power abuse by KIUC.” This doesn’t make sense.
How could Mr. Lewis, a smart man, come to such a gross misunderstanding of the two bills? The simplest answer is that he read the title without reading the text.
Our community could benefit if Mr. Lewis would engage his considerable talents in support of our cooperative instead of against it. Please Walter, come on in. Step out of the cocoon, join the cooperative and run for the board.
Jan TenBruggencate
Vice Chairman
KIUC Board of Directors
Food labeling is a consumer’s right
Please, let us assume that the companies who produce GMO foods honestly believe they are doing the right thing.
Also, let us assume that opponents of GMO foods — such as European countries, farmers in India and many individuals in the U.S. — are also honest in their beliefs. It is important that we treat each other’s opinions with respect, whether or not we agree.
Without taking sides in this debate, it certainly seems clear that consumers have a right to clear labeling in foods we consume.
It’s been a well established custom to label ingredients in our food for the convenience of those who are allergic to various ingredients like peanuts, eggs, or — like me — allergic to MSG. I really appreciate being able to identify MSG and avoid it. I also appreciate labeling which lets me know what foods are grown in the USA and what foods come from other countries. Many others probably feel the same way.
No food company appears to have gone broke because of the cost involved in listing ingredients.
In fact, it’s a good guess that they save money because they do not get sued when serious allergic reactions occur.
Without taking any sides, it seems clear to me that consumers have an absolute right to know the ingredients included in all the foods we eat — and that includes whether or not ingredients like GMO corn or whatever else are included.
Most people will go ahead and consume cereals, etc. with GMO ingredients. That is their right.
Certainly most people have no problem with eating MSG, and I support their right to do so — same idea.
MSG improves things for many, and perhaps GMO improves some things for people, too.
That said — people with allergies or concerns about GMO ingredients have a firmly established right to know.
To support clear labeling is not the same as taking sides in this debate.
The legislature has tabled this issue for now — not a good thing, in my opinion.
Please write to our elected representatives and let them know your opinion, too. Clear labeling is a right we have held for some time. This is not the time to take that right away, or to limit it in any way.
Mary Mulhall
Kapa‘a
Not safe from pesticides
If they swim, walk, crawl or fly, no islander is safe from pesticide poison. If you are listening, you can hear the echoes of the unbearable sorrow. If you are still, you can feel the flowing tears from families suffering from cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and many other illnesses.
If you look, you can see the lost hope on faces with sick children. Sickness caused by the endless politics and favors run deep and touch every heart. Loudly beat your drums, bellow strong your voices, stomp hard your feet and wildly clap your hands to the heart beat of Kaua‘i.
When the thunder of our rolling waves can not be turned away, Kaua‘i island will be GMO free. Kaua‘i is rising.
Diana LaBedz
Kekaha
Don’t learn the power of the sea the hard way
It’s very sad when you hear that the ocean on Kaua‘i — or anywhere — has claimed another life. My deepest sympathy goes out to the family.
However, it seems like no matter how much the media warns people not to go out into the ocean in rough conditions, close the beaches and post warning signs, there is always a few that want to challenge the ocean and end up losing.
Maybe we should change our warning signs and word it, “If you want to drown, then go out to swim.”
Maybe only then people will listen.
You know how when you tell a little child, “don’t do it!” Curiosity kicks in, and they do it. It’s the same way with some of these over adventurous adults.
Some people just have to learn the hard way. Even if it takes their life. Sorry to be so blunt. We have to be sometimes so people will listen.
Howard Tolbe
‘Ele‘ele
Class action lawsuit against Syngenta
Despite Syngenta’s claims in its full page ad in The Garden Island dated March 28 that atrazine is safe, there was a settlement in U.S. District Court on October 23, 2012. Judge Phil Gilbert awarded $105,000,000 to 1,085 nationwide water systems serving over 37 million people. The money to be distributed by the amount of the herbicide found, how long its been there and the size of the water system. You may find information concerning this court case by searching “Greenville, Ill. vs. Syngenta.”
Are we tired of being lied to or what?
Time for a corporate death penalty, which tries its chief stock holders for their assets if not crimes against humanity.
Kelly Ball
Kapa’a
