HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0728.056 2000-2002
Sep-17-D2 03:57pr~ From-PLANT INDUSTRY+DIV( + T-276 P.O1/C2 F-162
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Sep-17-02 03:57pm From-PLANT INDUSTRY+DIV( + T-276 P.02/02 F-162
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~EEIJ~4l~lN J_ C/lY~TAAPI® m ~ ~ JdRN19ES J. RIAIC/ATO~~l1
Governor Chairper3on, aoara of ngricutture
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"~a,wir~`~°'~~ la~pu~y to me Chauperson
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pEPAR7MENT OF AGF3fCULT'URE
1428 South King Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96814-2512 Fax: (808)973-~13
September 17, 2002
the Honorable James Arakaki, Chairman
Hawaii County Council
County of Hawaii
25 A~upuni Street
Hilo, I-larnaaii 96720
Dear Mr. Rrakaki:
1°he United States Department of Agriculture (USQA) regulates organisms and
products altered or produced through genetic engineering. Researchers must
ob#ain permits from USDA's Biotechnology, Biologics, and ~nvironmerital
I'rvtection section prior to any interstate movement or release into the
environment of these organisms. "fhE issuance of the permit is based upon the
finding of no significant impact by US®A's biotechnological staff after reviewing
the aspects and implications of the permit. In addition, the federal perl~nit
process allows the State to review the permit application and 1) concur with
USDA's findings, 2) not concur with USDA's findings, or 3} concur with ;additional
co~,ditions.
~'he department does not support establishing a moratorium because protocols
are in place that allows the State to approve or disapprove the movement and
release of genetically engineered organisms. USpA has the expertise and
resources to evaluate and respond to potential risks to humans and the
environment, and the State, has the opportunity to address local concerns, when
needed. 'fihe establishment of a moratorium, in this case, would not increase the
amount of protection to Hawaii's residents, industries, or environment, but may
instead, cause undue hardship to others in the agriculture sector, such as the
papaya or seed industry, whose existence depends on genetic engineering.
Sincerely,
~ ~ .
AMPS J. NAKATANI
Chairperson, Soard of Agriculture