HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0883.026 2006-2008
Murashi e, Laura
From: D & P Pinner [edpinner@hilo.net]
Sent: Monday, January 21, 2008 8:45 AM AN 23 fl~i 9 17
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: GMO Coffee
OOUN7 WAIT
Dear Council Members-
As a full time farmer of 28 years in Hawaii County I strongly urge you to support Res.
463-08. The people deserve a moratorium to properly inform themselves about the pros and
cons of the proposed GMO coffee facility.
Personally, I would never support the genetic modification of any indigenous plants that
are "open-pollinated" such as corn or coffee. The capacity to destroy prized heirloom
varieties through mishandling or by accident is far too great. This has already occurred
in many third world countries where agricultural crops are widely used as mediums of
exchange or money. A great example of this is Mexico and the destruction of corn/maize
strains that were developed and traded by the same families for centuries. Gone forever in
one season because local farmers did not fully understand the power of Monsanto GMO free
seed.
The coffee industry in Hawaii state and especially in Kona is known worldwide. It is also
one of the few crops that retired couples and small family farmers can still make a living
at. It has been apart of this culture for a long time and should be protected at all
costs. A moratorium would affod us that opportunity.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dean Pinner
231 W. Naauao St.
Hilo Hawaii 96720
-24
comm. No. 883
Ref. Tohawstmi anu
Ref. Date JAN 24 20(18
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