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<br /> JAN-23-2008 14:51 From:TROPICAL HRWRIIRN 18089667367 To:9618912 P <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The taro industry should learn from the papaya industry, that curtailing test,ir..p, of <br /> their crops could be devastating to their industry. Should a foreign pest, disease <br /> virus enter their crops that cannot be controlled by chemicals or integrated pest <br /> management (IPND, a new variety developed by biotechnology resistant to that <br /> specific pest could save their industry. <br /> <br /> People have several choices now of eating various varieties of papaya, from organic, <br /> conventional or biotech (Rainbow) papayas. Taro farmers should also have a ch( is <br /> of growing biotechnology crops if it means survival. Ask any Rainbow or Suwap <br /> papaya growers. <br /> <br /> The "Rainbow" variety has allowed the Kapoho solo variety and assisted in the <br /> organic growers to successfully cultivate these non-transgenic papayas by <br /> suppressing the PRV pressure in these areas, The Big Island has shown that both <br /> the transgenic and non-transgenic papayas can be grown in the same area to <br /> complement each other. <br /> <br /> We urge the County Council to reject passing this Resolution restricting the <br /> advancement of biotechnology in Hawaii. Hawaii could become the world leader <br /> in agriculture sciences and become the driving force in the state's economy. Tha <br /> state needs to continue to diversify its economy away from an over-reliance on <br /> tourism. <br /> <br /> Thank you for this opportunity to testify on this Resolution. <br />