HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0728.052 2000-2002 Good evening Honorable Council members:
My name is Sheridan Kobayashi, and I am submitting this written testimony against
Resolution No. 236 02.
My background is as follows; I am a 30 year former agriculturist with the State of Hawaii
Department of Agriculture (now retired) where I was in charge of the- Papaya Ringspot
Virus Project, I served 3 terms as the State President of the Hawa~a-Farm Bureau
Federation, a former member of the Board of Governors for the Agricultural Hall of
Fame and National Center in Bonner Springs, Kansas (serving two 5 year terms), a
graduate of the first class of the Hawaii Agricultural Leadership Foundation, a former
ginger root farmer, and a council member for the USDA RC&D.
Resolution No. 236 02 provides good reasons on why Kona coffee growers want to
protect their coffee from the introduction of genetically engineered coffee. One of the
most important reasons is the fact that Kona coffee is world renown, and commands a
premium price in the coffee market. Despite these reasons, the resolution should not be
passed because there is no imminent condition where by genetically engineered coffee
will be introduced into Kona or elsewhere in the State of Hawaii. Furthermore, the
University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources has made it
very clear to the Kona Coffee growers that genetically engineered coffee will not be
introduced to North and South Kona, unless Kona coffee growers agree to such a release.
Thus, there is no need or basis to enact a resolution for a moratorium on the release and
planting of genetically engineered coffee in the district of North and South Kona.
Any research on genetically engineered coffee would give Hawaii Coffee growers a
distinct advantage, should the dreaded Coffee Rust Virus ever make its way into Hawaii.
There are rampant speculations on the nature of genetically engineered crops and a
polarization of opinions. Thus, the passage of a resolution for a moratorium could create
a biased message that Hawaii is against genetically engineered crops. In fact, the record
shows that Hawaii's papaya industry has benefited from the development and use of virus
resistant genetically engineered papaya varieties Sunup and Rainbow. Without these
varieties it is impossible to commercially farm papayas in the State of Hawaii.
Genetically engineered bananas may also give relief to the Banana Growers who are
currently battling the dreaded Banana Bunchy Top Virus.
By passing this resolution, we will be sending the wrong message to the rest of the world.
We already have been labeled as being "Anti-Business" and with the passage of this
moratorium; we will be sending the wrong message that we are also "Anti-Scientific".
There is no reason for this moratorium, and instead, it is recommended that Kona Coffee
Growers and other interested parties have discussions with the University of Hawaii and
the USDA Agricultural Research Service on the nature, benefits, and risks of genetically
engineered crops so that everyone could become better informed on the issues of this
exciting and challenging field of research. These meetings should focus on factual
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presentations of information and mutual discussions of opinions, so we can all make ,
intelligent decisions on the future of Hawaii's Diversified Agricultural industry.
Sincerely,
Sheridan Kobayashi
61 Wilson Street
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Phone: 808-935-3938