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Groschkg, the fiatire of' worldwide (~qriclllfllre ill Hinvaii BIOTECH TARO RESEARCH ISSUE Bills banning genetic engineering of taro were introduced in 2007. Senate Bill 958 and House Bill 704 call for moratoriums on all testing, propagating, cultivating, growing and raising genetically engineered taro. POSITION The Hawaii Crop Improvement Association (HCIA) opposes SB 958 and HB 704. Important First Steps: Dialogue with Hawaiian Community In 2005, the University of Hawai'i agreed that genetic engineering research on Hawaiian taro would not proceed until discussions with the Hawaiian community were completed. At that time, the university worked with Ali'i Sir William D. Souza of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I to develop a process that balances the university's values relating to free inquiry and respect for indigenous knowledge, beliefs, and practices. HCIA respects the cultural meaning of Hawaiian taro and firmly believes that the Hawaiian community must lead the discussion of the future of Hawaiian taro and Hawaiian taro research and education programs. HCIA strongly supports the Department of Agriculture's lead in convening taro stakeholders, under the auspices of SCR 206, to ensure meaningful discussion about the preservation and protection of taro. We believe that continuation of dialogue is necessary to arrive at real solutions for Hawaiian taro cultivation. Risk of Devastation Requires All Tools in Toolbox A wide variety of pests have caused the decline of Hawaiian taro varieties from more than 400 in the early 1900s to fewer than 60 today. Invasive species and diseases such as the taro leaf blight and Alomae/Bobone virus have wiped out taro production in Samoa and the Solomon islands. Because Hawaii is an international port and imports 20 percent of the taro, invasive species and diseases could find their way here and severely impact the taro industry. The destruction to the native wiliwili trees is an example of what could happen to the taro plants in Hawaii. Taro could benefit from the use of all plant-breeding technologies, including biotechnology, if that is acceptable to the Hawaiian cultural community. Individual farmers should have the right to choose the crops they prefer to grow, using the production methods that best fit their farming needs - whether that's organic, conventional or genetic engineering practices. The tools of biotechnology have been chosen by farmers in the US and around the world, and have been proven safe and compatible with other farming methods. Global Implications Inherent in Extreme Agenda Mandating a moratorium on genetic research will erode Hawaii's image and reputation as a center for science and technology innovation and will restrict growth and investment. Diversification of Hawaii's economy is critical to the future of our state. The biotechnology industry contributes to Hawaii's ability to remain economically competitive, provide rewarding careers for our people, and preserve Hawaii's special environment and quality of life. HCIA believes that this legislation is simply an attempt to hijack legitimate cultural concerns by people with a broader philosophical and anti-scientific agenda. Proponents have said: "Hopefully this moratorium will lead to not only a BAN on GMO taro, but ALL GMOs in Hawaii and elsewhere. " Extreme mainland anti-GMO activists are not interested in preserving kalo, but are using Hawaiian cultural concerns to further their own global agenda. 91-1012 Kahi'uka St. director@hciaonline.com Honolulu, HI 96706 www.hciaonline.com