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REPORT OF THE <br />COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT <br />DATE: November 6, 2008 RE: Comm. No. 1559/Res. 809-08 <br />PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa <br />78-128 Ehukai Street <br />Kailua-Kona, Hawaii <br />TIME: 8:30 a.m. <br />Council Chair and Members <br />Hawaii County Council <br />Hilo, Hawaii 96720 <br />Your Committee on Human Services and Economic Development, to which was referred <br />Comm. No. 1559, reports as follows: <br />Comm. No. 1559, transmitted by K. Angel Pilago, dated October 21, 2008, submits <br />Resolution 809-08, which establishes the Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) Advisory <br />Commission for the purpose of furthering research and discussion of genetic engineering to <br />determine the appropriateness of the use of transgenic crops. The resolution also recommends <br />that members of the GMO Advisory Commission include, but not be limited to, the USDA <br />Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, the taro growers association, the University of <br />Hawaii at Hilo College of Agriculture, independent coffee farmers, coffee processors and <br />roasters, organic farmers, the livestock industry, the floral and ornamental industry, the food <br />industry and two scientist/researchers, one who favors and one who opposes genetic <br />modification. <br />Most council members were in Kona for the meeting, however J. Yoshimoto and Chairwoman <br />Emily Naeole were in Hilo, participating via videoconferencing. Donald Ikedajoined the <br />council members in Hilo while the first testifier on the resolution was speaking. Councilman <br />Stacy Higa and Councilman Dominic Yagong were absent. <br />Cory Harden spoke in favor of the Resolution 809-08. She thanked Mayor Harry Kim for <br />suggesting the commission and Councilman Pilago for introducing the resolution establishing the <br />commission. She commended the recommendation that the commission be comprised of people <br />both for and against GMOs. She hopes it will stop the misinformation circulating about GMOs. <br />Diane Ley, representing Research and Development, offered supportive testimony for the intent <br />of the GMO Advisory Commission. That department believes that a commission comprised of <br />scientists and organizational stakeholders is a step in the right direction. The department <br />encourages constructive criticism and discussion about the technology and related impacts. <br />Ms. Ley asked that the commission members offer constructive compromises for the agricultural <br />industry islandwide. This dialogue and information sharing will only benefit the community. <br />Councilman Pilago made the motion to file Resolution 809-08 and to approve the resolution. <br />Councilman Jacobson seconded the motion. Councilman Pilago explained that this resolution is <br />