HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.C.R. NO.

224

TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2006

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 
   


HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

Urging the Department of agriculture to apply the precautionary principle in evaluating all permit applications.

 

 

WHEREAS, although advances in technology, biotechnology, and agricultural production processes have resulted in significant benefits for our society, caution must still be exercised when considering the implementation of new innovations; and

WHEREAS, new technologies come with potential risks that may only appear through rigorous scientific testing; and

WHEREAS, just as prosecutors in criminal cases must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, it is the responsibility of the introducers of new technologies to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the technologies are safe to implement; and

WHEREAS, the uncertainty and risks associated with new technologies are especially significant with respect to agriculture, since agricultural hazards can have serious effects on our natural environment; and

WHEREAS, to minimize the risks and hazards associated with the implementation of new technologies in agriculture, the precautionary principle should be applied with respect to permit applications involving agriculture; and

WHEREAS, applying the precautionary principle means evaluating whether it would be prudent to deny a permit application to avert serious or irreversible environmental damage before scientific certainty regarding the likelihood or magnitude of the harm exists; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2006, the Senate concurring that the Department of Agriculture is urged to apply the precautionary principle in evaluating all permit applications; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Agriculture.

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Urging the Department of Agriculture to apply the "precautionary principle" in evaluating permit applications.