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HomeMy WebLinkAboutREP HSEDC 012 09/10/2002 2000-2002 REPORT OF TIIE COMMITTEE ON IIUMAN SERVICES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DATE: September 10, 2002 Re: Resolution No. 236-02, Communication Nos. 728, PLACE: Councilroom 728.1 and related communications TIME: 1:45 P.M. Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Human Services and Economic Development, to which was referred Communication No. 728 transmitting Resolution No. 236-02 and Communication No. 728.1 transmitting Resolution No. 236-02, Draft 2, and some 31 related communications from members of the public, reports as follows: Communication No. 728, dated August 23, 2002, from Nancy Pisicchio, Chair of the Committee on Human Services and Economic Development (HSEDC), transmitted Resolution No. 236-02, a resolution supporting a moratorium on the release and planting of genetically modified (GM) coffee in the districts of North and South Kona in order to assure and protect the biotic integrity and market value of pure Kona coffee. Council member Pisicchio introduced Resolution 236-02 at the request of the Kona Coffee Council and other Kona farmers' organizations, including the Kona County Farm Bureau, Kona Farmers Alliance, and the Kona Pacific Farmers Cooperative. The resolution expressed concerns relating to possible cross- pollination of GM plants with the established Kona (Guatamalan) coffee cultivar, the impact of GM interference with organic coffee orchards, and protection for the high niche market value presently enjoyed by the Kona coffee industry. Written communications received in support of Resolution 236-02 expressed concern that consumers and nations (e.g., Europe) opposed to GMO products will not purchase Kona coffee once crossed with GMO genes. Other testimony pointed to no compelling or presenting market need for GM coffee. Ellen Mehos, President of the Kona County Farm Bureau, stated: "Although the KCFB supports research for genetically modified crops, it recognizes the potential threat to the long-term quality and market for Kona coffee. Until such time as the growers can be assured there is no threat, we support such a moratorium." Considerable oral and written testimony (a total of 31 communications) was presented at the meeting. Andrew G. Hashimoto, dean and director of the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR), stated that there are no genetically modified coffee plants presently undergoing field testing, nor any ready for field testing. James Nakatani, chairman of the State of Hawaii Board of Agriculture, and Stephanie Whalen, director of the Hawai` i Agricultural Research Center (HARC), reiterated that there are no active planting sites of GM coffee on the Island of Hawai` i, nor in the State of Hawaii. Moreover, the testimony of CTAHR and HARC affirmed that any prospective field testing of GM coffee would not be conducted without first talking to the Kona coffee industry. Additionally, the State Department of Agriculture pledged to work with organic growers to minimize undue risk to organic certification should a GMO coffee be developed and proposed for release in Hawaii. While GM coffee test planting or commercial release is not imminent, several papaya growers and papaya industry representatives presented testimony in opposition to Resolution 236-02, due to a sense that passage of the resolution might negatively impact the U.S. mainland market for the transgenic "Rainbow" papaya and pending application for approved export of Rainbow papaya to Japan. Richard Ha of Keaau Banana Plantation expressed concern that the resolution not affect the banana industry adversely, as he welcomes GMO research aimed at development of banana plants resistant to Banana Bunchy Top Virus and fungus disease. Various testimonies suggested a less confrontational approach to the issue. Eric Weinert, representing Hawaii Pride LLC, proposed a ``quiet forum" for further discussion. Dean Andrew Hashimoto stated: "Clearly there needs to be reasoned discussions on the benefits and risks of this [GM] technology; however, it would be unfortunate if this resolution is portrayed in the press as an example of the County and State of Hawai`i's `anti-GMO' stance." This sentiment was echoed in the testimony of the Hawaii Alliance for Responsible Technology and Science ("communication not confrontation is the ultimate answer") and the Hawaii Island Economic Development Board ("the resources of the newly established Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, CTAHR, the Coffee Research Center, HARC, and expertise within the state Department of Agriculture can provide valuable facts and information on this issue prior to any further consideration of this measure"). Prior to committee discussion, Council member Pisicchio transmitted Communication No. 728.1 to present an amended "Draft 2" of Resolution 236-02. Draft 2 amended the first "Be It Resolved" clause to delete the words "adopted, and approved by those organizations" and substituted "by the appropriate government agency or agencies in collaboration with the Kona farmers' organizations." The motion to amend Resolution 236-02 with Draft 2 (Communication No. 728.1) was adopted by the committee. Council members broadly acknowledged the concerns of the Kona coffee industry to assure the quality, reputation and market value of Kona coffee, as well as the concerns of the several hundred papaya growers (largely in Puna) who are building a resurgent industry with export of the Rainbow papaya. To better understand the federal regulatory protocols associated with GM crop development and release for commercial propagation, Council Member J. Curtis Tyler, III requested that Dr. Lyle Wong, Plant Industry Administrator, State Department of Agriculture, furnish copies of pertinent statutes and rules. Council Member Dominic Yagong, himself a retail food manager, noted the premium prices garnered by Kona coffee products, but advised against the committee taking action in an area outside its regulatory authority. Pursuant to committee discussion, a motion asking your Committee on Human Services and Economic Development to approve Resolution 236-02, Draft 2 failed by the vote reflected below. Your Committee recommends that Resolution 236-02, as amended, be forwarded to the Council with a negative recommendation. /rf AYES NOES A&E EX PISICCHIO x JACO~SON x Respectfully submitted: ARAKAKI x CHUNG x COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES ELARION®FF x and ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LEITHEAD-TODD x SAFARIK x ~ f • / TYLER x NANCY PIS CHIO, CHAIR YAGONG x HS&EDC REPORT No. 12 3 4 2 ADOPTED: ,