1. BERNARD P. CARVALHO, JR.
Mayor
GARY K. HEU
Managing Director
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: October 31, 2013
BETH TOKIOKA, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Tel (808) 241-4900
Fax (808) 241-6877
Mayor vetoes Bill 2491
Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr. has vetoed Bill 2491, Relating to Pesticides
and Genetically Modified Organisms, which was passed by the County Council on October 16.
I have always said I agree with the intent of this bill to provide for pesticide use
disclosure, create meaningful buffer zones and conduct a study on the health and
environmental issues relating to pesticide use on
, stated the Mayor. However, I believe
strongly that this bill is legally flawed. That being the case, I had no choice but to veto.
The Mayor has released the opinion on 2491 drafted by the Office of the County
Attorney, which was delivered to him on October 24.
Since receiving the opinion I ve spent hours and hours understanding the points raised
and questioning our attorneys on the legal issues, he said. While I believe a veto is
necessary, we can and will find legal means to address these important health and safety
issues.
(more)

2. Mayor vetoes Bill 2491
October 31, 2013
Page 2 of 2
In his veto message, the mayor urges the council to move forward quickly on funding the
joint fact finding study group, which is the first step toward conducting an environmental public
health impact study (EPHIS). The study could be recommended via a resolution that is slated
for next week s council agenda. He also describes actions being taken by the Governor and the
State Department of Agriculture to address buffer zones and pesticide use notification.
I truly believe in my heart that
can accomplish anything through cooperation,
collaboration, and by working together in the spirit of aloha, said the mayor. This does not
invalidate the hard work that has gone into the crafting of 2491. We are moving forward and we
will continue to move forward with or without the bill.
The full text of the mayor s message, along with the attorney s opinion can be found on
the county s website: www.kauai.gov.
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