HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0728.045 2000-2002 I~'
F E 8b E$ A `P' I o N
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September 22, 2002 ~ ~~ur.;:-~;
Hava~aii Counfiy Council
Testiin®ny re: Iles. 236-02 A ~S®LUTI®N SUPP®ItTING A NIO~T®I~IUlO~I
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~F PURE I~®I~A COI~'~`~E
Chairperson Arakaki and Councilmembers:
The Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation is a statewide organization of farmers and farm
families numbering some 1800 members. Our component organizations are referred to as
County Farm Bureaus. There are four such `jcountges" on the Island of Hawaii, one each
on Maui, Molokai and Kauai and three on Oahu. The Federation is in turn a part of the
American Farm Bureau with 5,000,000 members in all 50 states.
The Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation opposes Res. 236-02, proposing a moratorium on
the release and planting of genetically modified coffee in the districts of Kona. The Farm
Bureau strongly believes that responsibly used biotechnology is a valuable tool for
Hawaii's agriculture to meet the needs of society while protecting the environment and
its inhabitants. We recognize the concerns that have been raised, but strongly feel that
there are protective mechanisms already in place. These mechanisms will work as long
as regulators and the regulated community work cooperatively with open communication
and collaboration. Both parties need to take responsibility to educate and understand the
issues and options at hand before moving forward in the legal arena. Regulations have a
place and should be regarded as the measure of last resort. If measures already exist,
duplicative regulations often cause confusion and unexpected results. Have the existing
mechanisms been fully utilized before this measure was brought before the Council? We
believe they have not. The lack of awareness of the various options should not result in
additional regulation but call for improved communication and collaboration.
There has been mention that this measure strictly is a Kona issue. HFBF strongly feels
that the days of isolation are gone. We no longer live in a world in which a district can
say, "this only affects us" -what happens in one area invariably affects other people.
Cairn. H~
Fi?e Io?oe
Reef, fi[a~
While the Kona coffee industry may believe today, that this moratorium only affects
itself, it is inevitable that the impacts of this rule will affect many other Hawaii interests.
We urge the industry to reconsider its opinion of exclusivity.
Various public and private, educational, research and regulatory entities have come forth
volunteering their collaborative support addressing the issue at hand. Hawaii Farm
Bureau supports these efforts and volunteers its assistance in facilitating such activities to
educate ourselves while implementing existing mechanisms to help ensure the integrity
of the Kona Coffee name. Cooperation can achieve this. Added regulation without this
type of cooperation will not result in the desired results.
We understand that the Hawaii State Department of Agriculture is willing to work with
the local industry and local government to review applications for introductions of GM
work in the area. This mechanism along with improved communication should afford the
desired protection. HFBF strongly urges the Council to reject the proposed moratorium
but join in the facilitation of communication and permit issuance procedures while
developing trust among the parties in the interest of the Kona community.
Thank you for this opportunity to present our opinion on the subject. HFBF is willing to
cooperate in promoting the interests of Kona's agriculture.
Sincerely,
w1aS~ .1~~.~'~
'Thomas iZ. Hill
President
Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation