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APR-07-2009 12:09 FRUM:REP TSUJI BOB5868404 T0:808 961 8912 P.113
2009 RPR 7 Ail 11 59 R
Representative Clift Tsui
Chair, Committee on Agriculture r1OUN1Y ;'F HP,'A!All
3rd District: S. Hilo, Panaewa, Puna, Keaau, Kurtistown
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Hawari State House of Representatives
State Capitol, Room 402 Phone: (808) 586-8480
41,5 S. Beretania Street Toll Prce Phone from Hawaii Island: 974-4000 ext. 68480
Honolulu, HT 96813 Fax: (8o8) 586-8484
Email: reptsuji@capitol.hawaii.gov
TRANSMITTAL COVER SHEET
Date: 04/07/09 Number of Pages, including Cover: 3 +
To: Council Chair J Yoshimoto
Hawaii County Council
Fax: (8o8)96t-8912
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Dear Council Chair Yoshimoto,
For your consideration, enclosed you will find my testimony in opposition to Council Resolution 81-09.
r~ Should you have any questions, or are in need of further information, please do not hesitate to contact
me.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Clip Tsuji
t State Representative, 3r° District
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Ref. Date 2009
RPR-07-2009 12:09 FROM:REP TSLJI 8085868484 T0:808 961 8912 P.2/3
2009 APR 7 AN 11 59
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
STATE OF HAWAII
STATE CAPITOL COUiv 'i
HONOLULU. HAWAII 96813
TESTIMONY OF REPRESENTATIVE CLIFT TSUJI
CHAIRMAN, HOUSE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE
13EFORE THE HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2009
10:00 A.M.
COUNCIL RESOLUTION 81-09
RELATING TO HOUSE BILL NO. 1226 HDl
Chairman Yoshimoto and Members of the Hawaii County Council:
Thank you for the opportunity to testify in strong opposition to Council Resolution 81-
09, which urges opposition to House Bill No. 1226 HDI. Simply put, it is in our slate's best
interestthat research and development in biotechnology continue` governed not by fear and
misinformation, but driven instead by consistent regulatory actions rooted firmly in scientific
evidence.
As implied by Council Resolution 81-09, leaving such oversight in the hands of our
county governments may unwittingly generate a patchwork of inconsistent county regulations
that could significantly interfere with investment in agricultural research state-wide, thereby
hampering our economy even further while restricting job growth. According to the Hawaii
Science and Technology Council, science and technology companies account for over 30,000
jobs across Hawaii, and contribute approximately $3.0 billion to the state's economy-roughly
the same as the state's tourism and accommodations sector. On the Big island alone, tech jobs
Representative Clift Tsuji - Chair, Committee on Agriculture
Drslnr(,i Im~u1h 1610 Pnnarrva. 01JIM Krleau and Krrrfi&(uwr7
St~atr? C:apdol Rc,urn 402
Ph•oncr 586 3480 Toll-tier. from H,w'n Island 974 4000. exi 68480
Fax 58&8484
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APR-07-2009 12:09 FROM:REP TSU'JI 8085868484 TO:808 961 8912 P.3/3
Council Resolution 81-09
Page 2
account lbr 2% of the workforce, with the largest opportunities in such fields as diversified
agriculture, energy, astronomy, and aquacuhure. Together, these fields contribute $97.8 million
in earnings, or 2.7% of Hawaii County's total earnings.
House Bill No. 1226 HDi therefore stands to strengthen the economic productivity of our
biotech industry even ILrther by providing current and prospective investors with the legal
protection they need to conduct sound research and development of genetically engineered plant
organisms. In that spirit, only by maintaining consistent regulatorysystems can we best
encourage responsible innovation while ensuring the development of marketable products that
arc at once safe for humans, animals, and the environment.
In maintaining our agricultural viability, we must be at the forefront of research and
development to remain competitive in the global marketplace. At the same time, it is essential
that we preserve and perpetuate our island cultural values. House Bill No. 1226 IIDI addresses
both these needs, and Itherefore respectfully oppose Council Resolution 81-09.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony for your consideration.
Sincerely,
1 T\ t ,
Cliff Isulr
State Representative, 3rd District
Representative Clitt Tsuji - Chair, Committee on Agriculture
Cb::(ne.-f 3 Suullr HA) R-m,vcwo Non Heaeu al)r.f Hbrtislown
Aite Capitol. Room 402
Phone, 533-8480 loll-free from Hawaii Island 9 7 4-401111. ext. 68480
Fax 586-8484
Email iey?lsUi i;c aalh~ aiL(Lov_