HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0882.018 2006-2008
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Murashige, Laura _
From: Joyce Marvel-Benoist [marvelbenoist@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2008 10:28 PM ZVA ,RN 24 A~1 $ 23
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Resolution 462-08 testimony ! tY)UN11 a'-N1AI[
Aloha Honorable Council Members,
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of these very important bills to create a 10 year moratorium on testing
and modifying taro and coffee in Hawaii.
We all know that we suffer from many devastating loss of species, of environmental imbalance and, in some
cases, of economical problems caused my interfering with nature's balance. Hawaii is known for baring the brunt
of more of these invasions of the natural world than any other place on earth.
The Kalo/taro is central to Hawaiian cultural and spiritual practice, as well as it is a pure food which has
documented healing qualities and is suspected of more qualities yet undocumented. It must never be put at risk
with the introduction of any GMO species with irreversible effects.
We cannot take out from nature what we add or manipulate. What we lose, we lose forever. This is a very big
price to pay for business wanting to patent new plants. It is also a very strong statement of one's spiritual beliefs
about the balance of creation.
Additionally, coffee is central to the local economy with a premium market spreading internationally. We cannot
afford to risk such a precious economic resource by allowing introduction of GMO coffee.
Hawaii soil has been experimented on and abused long enough.
I ask you, Honorable Public Representatives, do you want to go down in history as those who took a stand
against big business and saved what is precious to Hawaii or will our grandchildren read about you being the
ones who lowered the boom on our precious resources? I trust that you will make a conscientious decision, well
thought-out and with the future of your great-great-great grandchildren at heart.
Sincerely,
Joyce Marvel-Benoist
comm. No. ~~a • 18
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Ref. Date JAN 24 7m
1/24/2008