Worldwide Demonstration of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Hits Hawaii

On Tuesday, December 3, 2013, public advocacy groups across the globe took to the streets to protest the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).  The Hawaii protest was held at the Prince Kuhio Federal Building in Honolulu. 

The new pending international treaty has been negotiated by the US Trade Representative (USTR) and 11 other Trans-Pacific nations over the past three years, with the help of 600 “corporate advisers.”  Although the new treaty is being called a free trade agreement, only 5 of the 29 chapters reportedly deal with trade.  Leaked information reveals that the pending treaty provides sweeping new rules regarding privacy, environmental laws, patents, intellectual property rights, health and safety. 

The USTR stated goal is to “Fast Track” the treaty through Congress using a little known Trade Promotion Authority, allowing only an up or down vote, with no chance for amendment to the sweeping new treaty.  The corporate advisers who have been helping to negotiate the treaty behind closed doors include Exxon-Mobil, Chevron, Halliburton, Monsanto, Dow Chemical, Goldman Sachs, Citibank, Wal-Mart, etc,etc.

For details of the impact to Hawaii, and images of the December 3, protest at the Federal Building, please visit http://TPPhawaii.com