HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0883.027 2006-2008
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Murashige, Laura
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From: ann kobsa [autofreeann@hotmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2008 10:45 PM 2008 AN 23 AM 9 17
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
CC is
Subject: Protect our Coffee, Jan. 24 COUNTI . P H;.~VA,11
Aloha Chair Hoffmann and Council Members,
I am a former research biologist and subsistence farmer in Puna. In my former life as a biomedical researcher, I
did quite a bit of genetic engineering as a tool for discovery. I am absolutely opposed to the use of genetic
engineering of our food plants. It is not that I think it is evil, though I think it can be dangerous if used for the
wrong reasons (which tend to be the reasons that it is used for, eg, profit) or in the absence of adequate
information (which also tends to be the case). I feel that resource-intensive genetic engineering is wasteful, and
we'd be much better off if we put our limited resources into promoting sustainable, low-input farming using
traditional methods and varieties. In the few cases where technology can offer improvements in our ability to
feed ourselves in the long-term, then we should adopt those technologies. Genetic engineering is, in my opinion,
not one of those technologies. Especially not for a gourmet crop like Kona coffee, which will lose its niche if it
loses it's reputation for high quality. Please support the moratorium on testing and growing of GMO coffee.
Please pass Resolution 463-08.
Sincerely Yours,
Ann Kobsa, PhD
Koa'e, Puna, Hawai'i
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Comm. No. 895. Z7
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1/23/2008