HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0728.025 2000-2002 September 10, 2002
To: Ms. Nancy Pisicchio, Chair ,:t~
Committee in Human Services and Ey
Economic Development '+~`{~_r~,:'..___.___
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From: William Julian, Owner
Julian Farms
Re: Resolution 236-02 relating to a moratorium on the release and planting of
genetically modified coffee in the districts of North and South Kona.
Good afternoon. My name is William Julian papaya farmer for over 25 years. Currently
I have 200 acres of papaya farm in Pahoa district and employs 20 people. Our papaya
industry was hit by a deadly papaya ringspot virus in 1992 and the industry could have
been already gone had it not been for the genetically engineered papaya variety,
Rainbow. The Rainbow papaya saved our industry and continued to keep the industry
going. The papaya industry on the Big Island is valued at over $11 million at the farm
gate and if we count the multiplier effect on the rest of the businesses associated with the
industry, it is valued at over $27 million. In addition, it uses over 2,000 acres of land
farmed by over 200 farmers.
I OPPOSE Resolution 236-02 because even though it is specific to the Kona Coffee and
the Kona districts, passing of such resolution will start a precedent for similar actions
anywhere on the Big Island. What will become then of agriculture on the Big Island if
we keep out genetically engineered organisms (GMO)? GMO saves my livelihood as
well as the livelihood of the 20 families that I employed.
Thank you very much for the opportunity to give testimony on this resolution.
Comm. No ~
Ffle No,
fit. D~.te ~ n 2nQZ