MINUTES OF THE HAWAII COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY CONVENTION
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Palamanui Campus
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
The Convention was called to order by Chair Phil Barnes at 9:10am, who welcomed all the delegates, alternates
and observers to the convention and introduced Sen. Josh Green, our host for this convention, addressed the
convention attendees and urged us to “love one another, respect one another, forgive one another, and work
with one another.” He stressed the importance of continuing to have a Hawai`i heart and Hawai`i values and to
always be true to one another.
David Tarnas, former County Chair, led in the singing of The National Anthem, followed by Malama Solomon
leading us in a pule and the singing of Hawai`i Pono`i. Patti Cook then called us to observe a moment of
silence in honor of deceased Hawaii county Democrats.
Barbara Dalton, West Side Vice Chair and coordinator of the convention, thanked all the District Chairs for
their help on the convention.
Franz Weber, District 6 Chair, reminded all delegates to sign in and advised that there was room for some
alternates to move up to delegate status.
Chair Barnes began his report by reminding delegates to the State Convention to be sure to complete and submit
form 6 to be mailed to the State Party Office by 5/6/16 in order to meet with early registration deadline and the
deadline to apply for fee waivers. He said all District Chairs were given copies of that form and that any
delegate who hasn’t already submitted the form can obtain it from his/her District Chair.
Chair Barnes thanked our host, Palamanui and urged the convention attendees to stroll around the grounds after
the convention.
Chair Barnes then introduced the HCC officers: West Side Vice Chair, Barbara Dalton; East Side Vice Chair
John Ervin; Secretary, Gretchen Klungness; Treasurer, Amy Miwa; Assistant Secretary, Brandy Agliam; and
Assistant Treasurer, Jay Kimura. He also introduced the District Chairs: District 1, Michael Janovsky; District
2, Micah Alameda; District 3, Raina Dale; District 4, Frankie Stapleton; District 5, Steve Sakala; District 6,
Franz Weber; and District 7, Patti Cook. He thanked the immediate past District Chairs: District 3, Mike
Klungness; District 4, Phil Matlage; and District 6, Ron Gillespie. He then introduced the current State Central
Committee members: Senate District 1, Blaise DeLima and Brian DeLima; Senate District 2, Sally Waitt and
Phil Matlage; Senate District 3, Abby Au and David Case; Senate District 4, Margaret Wille and Michael
Janovsky; and At-Large, Dolly Strazar and John Ervin.
1
Chair Barnes then introduced two of the candidates for State Party Chair, Jacce Mikulanec and Del Santos
Tony, followed by the introduction of the National Convention Committee, Bart Danes and Dolly Strazar.
Following these introductions, Chair Barnes gave an explanation of the party organization, beginning with the
precinct clubs, urging that those clubs can meet more frequently than every two years. The next level is the
District Council, which is required by the bylaws to meet quarterly, although historically some do not. Phil
stressed the poser of the Districts, saying it’s the most powerful force in the party. He suggested that the
Districts think about hosting an inaugural ball, making it a county-wide event. He said it could be a huge event
which would generate a lot of money for the Districts, which could be divided by District.
The next level of organization is the Hawaii County Committee (HCC). The HCC runs the operation of the
party, county-wide. He reminded us that District 2 Chair Micah Alameda would be needed lots of help for the
two Grand Rallies in Hilo on the eves of the Primary and General election. West Side Vice Chair and District 5
and 6 Chairs, Steve Sakala and Franz Weber, will need help for the July 4 picnic and parade in Kona.
Finally, the State Central Committee (SCC) is the governing body for the Democratic Party of the State of
Hawaii. It meets quarterly, usually in Honolulu.
There are also caucuses that are open to all members; most of them meet on Oahu, although the Environmental
Caucus has a presence on Hawai`i Island. All of the caucuses are listed on the party website.
Phil went on to discuss that the power of the party lies in the people. Our platform, rules and resolutions create
a body of work to transmit our vision to the legislature. A resolution is required to get an issue before the
legislature. He stressed the importance of getting a Democrat in the White House to actualize our Democratic
Party plans, and that we also need to take back the U.S. House and Senate, retain the State Governor, House and
Senate, and assure that other states elected Democratic governors and legislatures.
Phil reminded us of the Unity Breakfast the day after the primary, and stressed the importance of a united party.
He then introduced Marty Fletcher , the Chancellor of Palamanui. He said the campus is designed to be a
central resource for a wide variety of civic engagements, and he was pleased to have our convention held on
campus. He thanked us for being here and wished for us a successful convention.
Amy Miwa, Credentials Chair, gave the Credentials Report, asked for another ½ hour before presenting the
Credentials Report.
Three candidates for Mayor of Hawaii County, addressed the convention: Harry Kim, Wally Lau and Pete
Hoffman.
District 6 Chair Franz Weber presented a report on the recent Presidential Preference Poll. He commented that
the polls were run entirely by volunteers and he thought they ran rather well, considering that. He reported four
matters that need to be addressed before the next Presidential Preference Poll in four or eight years, as follows:
(1) Organization Structure:
a. Who is in charge?
b. What are the duties?
2
(2) Communication with Public and Democratic Party:
a. Why?
b. Where?
(3) Preparedness:
a. Training
b. Supplies
(4) Evaluation
a. Purpose and process evaluation
b. Database update – 6 months before the PPP
He asked for people to sign up for a work group to take on this project. He asked for interested people to email
him with the subject line, “PPP Hawaii Democrats.”
Credentials Chair, Amy Miwa, provided the Credentials Report as follows: 160 delegates, 10 alternates, 25
observers, totaling 195 Democrats. There were also 15 guests, for a grand total of 210 people.
Two more candidates spoke: Nicole Lowen, incumbent candidate for State House District 6, and David Tarnas,
candidate for State House District 7.
Governor David Ige addressed the convention, stressing the importance of electing Democrats. He said that the
2016 election is about the future of Hawaii and the future of the country.
Chair Barnes introduced Kenny Goodenow, the Parliamentarian, and then Margaret Wille, Co-chair with David
Case of the Resolutions Committee.
Margaret asked the authors of each resolution to speak to their resolution and advised that we would then
consider the resolutions as a whole:
(1) HC BS/AG 2016-01 – STATEWIDE
Calling for Truthful Labeling of Hawaii-Grown Coffee and for Related Purposes
Proposer: Kona Coffee Farmers Association
Bruce Corker, District 6, Precinct 1, spoke in support of resolution.
(2) HC EDU 2016-01
Participation of Young Adults in the Political Process
Proposer Joel Cohen, District 7, Precinct 4, spoke in support of resolution.
(3) HC ENV 2016-01 – STATEWIDE
Ban the Use of Polystyrene Foam Foodware, Save Our Threatened Albatross, Prevent Harm to Human
Life and Other Species at Risk and for Related Purposes
Proposer Margaret Wille, District 7, Precinct 4, spoke in support of resolution.
(4) HC ENV 2016-02 – COUNTY
Protecting Native Hawaiian Eco-systems and Establishing a No-Bulldoze Area in House Lot Setbacks
and for Related Purposes
Proposer Mary Marvin Porter, District 4, Precinct 1, spoke in support of resolution.
3
(5) HC ENV 2016-03 - STATEWIDE
To Establish County Environmental Coordinator Offices and for related Purposes
Proposer Mary Marvin Porter, District 4, Precinct 1, spoke in support of resolution.
(6) HC ENV 2016-04 - STATEWIDE
To Ban the Use of Glyphosphate for Roadside Spraying as of July 1, 2018, and for Related Purposes
Proposer Lisa Andrews, District 7, Precinct 3, spoke in support of resolution.
(7) HC GOV 2016-01 – STATEWIDE
Protecting Public Employees While Advocating for Inclusive Non-Discrimination Policies and for
Related Purposes
Proposer Greg Ward, District 4, Precinct 3, spoke in support of resolution.
(8) HC GOV 2016-02 – STATEWIDE
Declaring June 26 as Equality Day and for Related Purposes
Proposer Greg Ward, District 4, Precinct 3, spoke in support of resolution.
(9) HC GOV 2016-03 – STATEWIDE
Absentee Voting for Democratic Participation in the Presidential Preference Poll and for Related
Purposes
Proposer Lisa Andrews, District 7, Precinct 3, spoke in support of resolution.
(10)
HC HHS 2016-01 – STATEWIDE
Support to Ban Conversion Therapy for Minors and for Related Purposes
Proposer Greg Ward, District 4, Precinct 3, spoke in support of resolution.
(11)
HC NAT 2016-01 – NATIONAL
To Eliminate Super Delegates from the Process of Selecting the Democratic Presidential Candidate and
for Related Purposes
Two of the proposers, Christine Mingo, District 1, Precinct 6; and Margaret Wille,
District 7, Precinct 4, spoke in support of resolution.
Steve Sakala, District 5, Precinct 6, moved to pass all 11 resolutions; the motion was seconded by Thomas
Mann, District 6, Precinct 2, seconded the motion. Brenda Ford, District 5, Precinct 5 rose to ask for
clarification regarding Resolution 8 regarding Equality Day. Resolution 8 was pulled for further discussion.
Laurel Trammel, District 2, Precinct 4, asked that Resolution 2 be pulled. Jennifer Lienhart-Tsuji, District 7,
Precinct 2, moved that each resolution be voted on separately; that motion was seconded by Phil Matlage,
District 4, Precinct 1. Lon Putnam, District 3, Precinct 4, called for the question, which was seconded by
Thomas Mann, District 6, Precinct 2. The motion by Steve Sakala to pass all resolutions in one vote failed.
Committee Chair Wille then presented the resolutions for consideration, one at a time.
Resolution No. 1 (State-wide) calling for truthful labeling of Hawaii-grown coffee and for related purposes was
presented for consideration. Patti Cook, District 7, Precinct 5, moved to adopt the resolution. Malama
Solomon, District 7, Precinct 4, seconded the motion. Brenda Ford, District 5, Precinct 5, spoke to the
enforcement procedure for the resolution. The following delegates spoke in support of the resolution: Russell
4
Ruderman, District 4, Precinct 1; Malian Lahey, District 3, Precinct 7; Bruce Corker, District 6, Precinct 1; and
Georgine Busch, District 7, Precinct 1. Abby Au, District 5, Precinct 7, spoke in opposition to the motion.
Resolution No. 1 passed upon a vote by show of hands.
Resolution No. 2 (State-wide) regarding the participation of young adults in the political process was presented
for consideration. Patti Cook, District 7, Precinct 5, moved to adopt the resolution. Malama Solomon, District
7, Precinct 4, seconded the motion. Committee Chair Wille announced that the proposer, Joel Cohen, was
available for questions. The following delegates spoke in favor of the resolution: Barbara Franklin, District 1,
Precinct 1; Roxanne Lawson, District 4, Precinct 4; and Jennifer Lienhart-Tsuji, District 7, Precinct 2. Laurel
Trammel, District 2, Precinct 4, questioned the including of the words “Democratic Party” in Paragraph 4 of the
resolution. Jennifer Lienhard-Tsuji proposed a friendly amendment that all state and federal congressional
officials must move forward with legislation to require automatic voter registration when a student reaches age
18. Kapono Gaughen, District 7, Precinct 2, questioned the financial implications of such a requirement. Based
upon the proposed amendments and other concerns, this resolution was moved to the end of the calendar.
Resolution No. 3 (State-wide) regarding banning the use of polystyrene foam foodware, saving the threatened
albatross, preventing harm to human life and other species and for related purposes was presented for
consideration. Sally Waitt, District 3, Precinct 4, moved to adopt the resolution. Jeff McKnight, District 1,
Precinct 2, seconded the motion.
Resolution No. 3 passed upon a vote by show of hands.
Resolution No. 4 (County) regarding protecting native Hawai’ian eco-systems and establishing a no-bulldoze
area in house lot setbacks and for related purposes was presented for consideration. Sally Waitt, Precinct 3,
District 4, moved to adopt the resolution; Barbara Dalton, District 6, Precinct 2, seconded the motion. Richard
“Rico” Reed, District 1, Precinct 5, offered a friendly amendment to the first “Be It Resolved” to add “and to
require a minimum number native growth trees to be planted within 12 months.” Brenda Ford, District 5,
Precinct 5, seconded the amendment. By show of hands, the amendment passed. Charles Flaherty, District 5,
Precinct 6, rose to offer a second amendment, but his request was denied.
Resolution No. 4 passed as amended upon a vote by show of hands.
Resolution No. 5 (State-wide) to establish county environmental coordinator offices and for related purposes
was presented for consideration. Brenda Ford, District 5, Precinct 5, moved to adopt the resolution. Lon
Putnam, District 3, Precinct 4, seconded the motion. Sheila Akers, District 1, Precinct 7, spoke in opposition to
the resolution.
Resolution No. 5 passed upon a vote by show of hands.
Resolution No. 6 (State-wide) to ban the use of glyphosate for roadside spraying as of July 1, 2018, and for
related purposes was presented for consideration. Jeff McKnight, District 1, Precinct 2, moved to adopt the
resolution. Sheila Akers, District 1, Precinct 7, spoke in opposition to the resolution; Roxanne Lawsen, District
4, Precinct 4, spoke in favor of the resolution. Day Day Hopkins, District 1, Precinct 8, asked for clarification
regarding roadside vs. ‘everything’ spraying and then spoke in opposition to the motion. Marilee Wallace,
District 4, Precinct 3, seconded the motion. Christen Zulli, District 1, Precinct 6; spoke in favor of the
5
resolution. Anthony Garza, District 4, Precinct 4, offered an amendment to add another “Resolved” to add that
elected public officials should be encouraged to subsidize the ban. That amendment failed. Lisa Andrews
moved for an amendment to change the title of the resolution to “To Ban the Use of Glyphosate for Public
Property Spraying as of July 1, 2018, and for Related Purposes.” Laurel Trammell, District 2, Precinct 4,
seconded the amendment. By show of hands, the amendment passed.
Resolution 6 passed as amended upon a vote by show of hands.
There was a break in the consideration of the resolutions, to be resumed after the lunch break, candidate
appearances, and the presentation of the Rules Committee.
Cindy Evans, incumbent candidate for State House District 7 spoke.
After the lunch break, Sen. Brian Schatz made his presentation, following the planting of sandalwood trees on
the campus of Palamanui.
Russell Ruderman, incumbent candidate for State Senate District 2, spoke, followed by Amanda Pierson, who
spoke for U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard.
Chair Barnes called the convention back to order and introduced Dolly Strazar and Abby Au, the co-chairs of
the Rules Committee.
The first rule, which set the required date for convention registration of April 27, 2016, and delegate check-in
before 9:30am on April 30, 2016. Georgine Busch moved to accept the rule; Frankie Stapleton seconded the
motion. The rule change was passed upon a vote by show of hands.
The second rule for consideration was a change to Section 9.3 to read as follows:
9.3 Numbers and distribution of Delegates, Delegates to the County Convention shall include the HCC officers,
State Central Committee Members, District Chairs and a Vice Chair, each precinct president, a vice president,
and district council representative and 25 delegates and 5 alternates from each of the seven district. The
President of each Precinct Club shall be notified of the number of Delegates from that Precinct Club by
February 1.
In even-numbered years, delegates and alternates to the state convention shall also be delegates to the Hawaii
County Convention.
Elected federal, state and county officials, or officials who may have been appointed to fill a vacant position of
an elected official, who currently serve in office, shall have all the rights and privileges of a delegate subject to
the following requirement:
1. Be a member of the Democratic Party in good standing; and
2. Have attained the present office in a partisan election as a Democrat or have been appointed to fill a
vacant position as a Democrat, or have attained their present office in a non-partisan state or county
election, provided they are Democratic Party members in good standing and residents of Hawai`i
Island.
6
Lon Putnam, District 3, Precinct 4, moved to accept the rule as promulgated. Theresa Nakama, District 6,
Precinct 5, seconded the motion. Brenda Ford, District 5, Precinct 5, spoke in opposition. Phil Barnes, District
1, Precinct 7, spoke in support of the rule change. Joy Cash, District 2, Precinct 4, spoke in opposition to the
rule change. Jennifer Lienhard-Tsuji, District 7, Precinct 2, spoke in support of the rule change. Michael
Janovsky, District 1, Precinct 4, spoke in support of the rule change. Valerie Barnes, District 7, Precinct 2,
spoke in opposition to the process. Phil Barnes, District 1, Precinct 7, spoke again in support of the rule
change. Richard Harris, District 7, Precinct 2, questioned whether Rule 9.3 conflicted with proposed Rule 9.4.
Frankie Stapleton, District 4, Precinct 4, spoke in support of the rule change. Lisa Andrews, District 7, Precinct
3, asked for clarification, which was provided by Phil Barnes, District 1, Precinct 7. Roxanne Lawson, District
4, Precinct 4, spoke in support.
The rule change for Rule 9.3 passed upon a vote by show of hands.
The third rule for consideration was a change to Section 9.4 to read as follows:
9.4 Delegate selection. In even numbered years, state convention delegates and alternates shall be elected at the
Biennial Precinct Club organization meetings from the eligible Precinct members based on equal gender
representation whenever possible. Delegates shall be determined as outlined in Section 9.3 of these Rules.
Malama Solomon, District 7, Precinct 4, moved to accept the Rule change. Teresa Nakama, District 6, Precinct
5, seconded the motion. Valerie Barnes, District 7, Precinct 3, spoke in support of the motion.
The change to Rule 9.4 was approved upon a vote by show of hands.
The fourth rule for consideration was a change to Section 12.1 of General Provisions to read as follows:
12.1 District Councils shall consist of all of the Precinct Presidents, Precinct First Vice Presidents, District
Councilpersons, Precinct Secretaries and Precinct Treasurers of each Precinct Club and the duly elected
Chairperson.
Malama Solomon, District 7, Precinct 4, moved to accept the Rule change. Teresa Nakama, District 6, Precinct
5, seconded the motion.
The change to Rule 12.1 was approved upon a vote by show of hands.
Chair Barnes then introduced David Case, Co-Chair of the Rules Committee, to continue the consideration of
the proposed Resolutions.
Resolution No. 7 (State-wide) to protect public employees while advocating for inclusive non-discrimination
policies and for related purposes was presented for consideration. Teresa Nakama, District 6, Precinct 5, moved
to accept the resolution. Lon Putnam, District 3, Precinct 4, seconded the motion. Christen Zulli, District 1,
Precinct 6, spoke in opposition to the motion.
Resolution No. 7 was passed by a show of hands vote.
Resolution No. 8 (State-wide) declaring June 26 as Equality Day and for related purposes was presented for
consideration. Malama Solomon, District 7, Precinct 4, moved to accept the Resolution. Margaret Wille,
District 7, Precinct 4, seconded the motion.
7
Resolution No. 8 was passed upon a vote by show of hands.
Resolution No. 9 (State-wide) to provide absentee voting for Democrats participating in the Presidential
Preference Poll and for related purposes was presented for consideration.
Lon Putnam, District 3, Precinct 4, moved to accept the Resolution. Malama Solomon, District 7, Precinct 4,
seconded the motion. Brenda Ford, District 5, Precinct 6, expressed concern about enforcement. The following
delegates spoke in support of the motion: Lisa Andrews, District 7, Precinct 3; Anthony Garza, District 4,
Precinct 4; Christine Mingo, District 1, Precinct 6 (who also expressed her concern about “dirty tricks); Laurel
Trammell, District 2, Precinct 4; Lisa Andrews, District 7, Precinct 3; and Anthony Garza, District 4, Precinct 4
(a second time). Sheila Akers, District 1, Precinct 1, District 7, and Chuck Flaherty, District 5, Precinct 6,
spoke in support of the spirit and intent of the resolution but expressed concern about the ability to control the
voting. Tane Datta, District 5, Precinct 5, spoke in opposition to the resolution but was also in favor of the
intent. Chris Loos, District 4, Precinct 1, spoke in opposition to the motion because of her concern that
Republicans could take control.
Resolution No. 9 was passed upon a show of hands vote.
Resolution No. 10 (State-wide) regarding support to ban conversion therapy for minors and for related
purposes was presented for consideration. Lon Putnam, District 3, Precinct 4, moved to approve the resolution.
Raina Dale, District 3, Precinct 6, seconded the motion.
Resolution No. 10 was passed upon a show of hands vote.
Resolution No. 11(National) to eliminate super delegates from the process of selecting the Democratic
Presidential candidate and for related purposes was presented for consideration. Brent Magstadt, District 4,
Precinct 1, moved to pass the Resolution. Thomas Mann, District 6, Precinct 2, seconded the motion. Anna
Brown, District 1, Precinct 5, spoke in adamant support of the motion.
Resolution No. 11 was passed upon a show of hands vote.
Three more candidates spoke: Jennifer Ruggles, candidate for County Council District 5; Margaret Wille,
incumbent candidate for County Council District 7; and Danny Paleka, incumbent candidate for County
Council District 5.
Resolution No. 2 regarding participation of young adults in the political process was presented again for
consideration, having previously been moved to the end of the agenda. The author of the resolution, Joel
Cohen, District 7, Precinct 4, rose to add an amendment to the third “whereas” to read “Whereas, recent
nationwide presidential elections indicate that young adults ages 18 - 24, more than any other age group, are
less likely to vote; and”. That amendment was adopted pursuant a vote by show of hands. Franz Weber,
District 6, Precinct 1, moved to add another amendment to the second “resolved,” to read “Resolved that high
school administrators and social studies teachers strongly encourage field trips to local government meetings
….” Lon Putnam, District 3, Precinct 4, seconded that amendment motion. The amendment was passed by a
show of hands vote. Franz Weber, District 6, Precinct 1, offered an additional amendment to add “Resolved
that upon reaching age 18, all eligible persons be automatically registered to vote.” Leilani Lindsey-Kaapuni,
District 1, Precinct 8, spoke in opposition to the amendment. Jennifer Lienhart-Tsuji, District 7, Precinct 2,
8
stated that all of legislation would be required by all our elected officials. Lon Putnam, District 3, Precinct 4,
spoke in opposition to the amendment. Heather Henning, District 4, Precinct 1, also spoke in opposition to the
amendment. Upon a show of hands vote, the amendment failed. Malama Solomon, District 7, Precinct 4,
moved to approve the resolution as amended; Lisa Andrews, District 7, Precinct 3, seconded the motion.
Resolution No. 2 as amended was passed by a show of hands vote.
Resolution No. 12 (State-wide) regarding the enactment of a safe passing zone law for overtaking bicycles and
for related purposes was presented by its author, Franz Weber, District 6, Precinct 1, for consideration. Thomas
Mann, District 6, Precinct 2, moved to accept the resolution. That motion was seconded by Teresa Nakama,
District 6, Precinct 6. Barb Franklin, District 1, Precinct 1, rose to state that she was not opposed to the
resolution but questioned the safety of some roads for implementation of this law. The following delegates
spoke in full support of the resolution: Brent Magstadt, District 4, Precinct 1; Jon-Erik Jardine, District 1,
Precinct 7; Brenda Ford, District 5, Precinct 6; and Marilee Wallace, District 4, Precinct 3.
Resolution No. 12 passed upon a show of hands vote.
Resolution No. 13 encouraging the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to continue to support amending the
Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920 to reduce the Blood Quantum requirement to qualify as a successor
beneficiary from one-quarter to one-thirty-second Hawaiian. Teresa Nakama, District 6, Precinct 5, moved to
accept the resolution. Margaret Wille, District 7, Precinct 4, seconded the motion. Leilani Lindsey-Kaapuni,
District 1, Precinct 5, spoke in opposition to the resolution. Malama Solomon, District 7, Precinct 4, spoke in
support of the resolution; Leilani Lindsey-Kaapuni again spoke in opposition. Kelley Asbell, District 7,
Precinct 1, spoke in support of resolution.
Resolution No. 13 passed upon a show of hands vote.
Resolution No. 14 to provide a free Hawaii Community College education to Hawaii Residents was withdrawn
by its author, Rachel Aragon, District 4, Precinct 3.
Chair Barnes introduced Michael Zola and Robby Robertson, co-chairs of the Platform Committee. Michael
Zola read the preamble to the 2016 Hawai`i County Democratic Party Platform and then reviewed the platform
generally. Thomas Mann, District 6, Precinct 2, moved to adopt the platform as presented. Amy Matson,
District 6, Precinct 5, seconded the motion.
Margaret Wille, District 7, Precinct 4, offered an amendment to the Agricultural plank of the platform to add the
following language. “To the extent the cultivation of GE groups is legally permitted within the State of Hawaii,
the Democratic party insists immediate steps be taken by the State Department to Agriculture to prevent organic
and other non-GE crops from being contaminated by GE organisms. We further demand Democratic legislators
sponsor and support “nuisance” legislation and enact substantial civil remedies, including treble damages, to
ensure non-GE farms and neighboring property owners are compensated for GE contamination and damages
caused by proximately located GE croup or seed production and handling. We ask the Department of
Agriculture to strictly enforce applicable pesticide and herbicide regulations to ensure the safety and health of
farmworkers and neighboring property owners and to also ensure that runoff of pesticides and herbicides is
prevented especially where toxic run-off and sediment night otherwise impact streams and coastal waters. We
9
further ask that the State and the Counties encourage and incentivize the use of eco-friendly weed and pest
management practices.” Brent Magstadt, District 4, Precinct 1, seconded the amendment.
The following delegates spoke in opposition to the amendment: Robert “Robyn” Hilliard, District 6, Precinct 2;
Peter Altomare, District 7, Precinct 5; Lindsay Emerson, District 4, Precinct 2; Malama Solomon, District 7,
Precinct 4; Scott Enright, District 1, Precinct 1; Patti Cook, District 7, Precinct 7, District 5; and Sheila Akers,
District 1, Precinct 7.
The following delegates spoke in support of the amendment: Brent Magstadt, District 4, Precinct 1; Pablo
Beimler, District 7, Precinct 3; Jack Hutchings, District 7, Precinct 3; David Case, District 5, Precinct 8;
Michael Menchetti, District 7, Precinct 3; Christopher Dean,
District 7, Precinct 3; Chuck Flaherty, District 5, Precinct 6; Anthony Garza, District 4,
Precinct 4; Brenda Ford, District 5, Precinct 6; McLean Eames, District 4, Precinct 4; Lisa Andrews, District 7,
Precinct 3; Joy Cash, District 2, Precinct 4; Kerry Kelley, District 4, Precinct 4; and Margaret Wille, District 7,
Precinct 4, speaking in support of the amendment, explained that the amendment was not a ban on GMOs and
that it merely leveled the playing field.
The amendment was adopted, by a show of hands vote.
The original motion to adopt the platform was passed by a show of hands vote.
The final candidate speaker was Richard Creagan, incumbent candidate for State House
District 5.
Chair Barnes introduced the State Central Committee and explained the work and purpose of the SCC,
reminding delegates that some seats on the SCC for Hawaii County were open and encouraging interested
people to file nomination papers for consideration at the State Convention.
Malama Solomon led the delegates in joining hands and singing “Hawai’i Aloha”.
The convention adjourned at 3:55pm
Respectfully submitted this 22 day of May, 2016
Gretchen H. Klungness
HCC Secretary
10
11