HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0728.027 2000-2002 ~~rr,rrt~t~ ~t~r~~r~ ~~®tar~es
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l~awaii ~®unty ~®uncil
Related to a resolution supporting a moratorium on planting. genetically
engineered coffee in North and South Kona r REt~iv~~+
Sept 10, 20(12 _
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Lear Chairperson Pisicchia;
I am Richard Ha, President of Kea'au Banana Plantation. We farm approximately
600 acres of Williams and Apple bananas. We employ approximately 70 people.
I am testifying very reluctantly against this moratorium. In fact 1 want to do all I
can to help the Kona coffee farmers now and in the future. But, this subject is
very emotionally charged and perception is some times more important than fact.
The only correspondence I have had with the Kona Coffee growers has been
with my friend Sotero Agoot, the manager of the Kona Coffee farmers co op. I
asked him what was up yesterday. He answered in a very reasonable manner
that makes sense to me. But, there are other coffee organizations and I don't
know where everyone else is coming from. I just don't have enough information
from the coffee growers at this time to testify in favor of this resolution.
The banana industry has several GM® projects in the works. The primary project
is an effort to develop a banana plant that is resistant to Banana Bunchy flop
Virus. resistant gene has been successfully inserted into a banana plant and
so it seems just a matter of time before it will be a reality. Also, it appears that it
may be possible to develop a banana plant that is resistant to fungus disease.
This will allow us to cut way back on fungicides. Not to mention that the most
devastating of all banana diseases is a soil borne fungus. There is no cure at this
time.
I need to be assured that the "perception" that arises from a moratorium will not
backfire and affect the banana industry adversely. f just don't have enough
information to be comfortable and. I am very sorry to have to testify against my
brother and sister farmers. But, perhaps we can accomplish their objectives in a
manner that for sure will not affect us negatively. 1 will do all f can to help.
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Sincerely,
Richard Ha Comm. N
President File No. '
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