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Murashige, Laura o
From: Loren Mochida [LorenM@Calavo.com] 1 ~O
Sent: Tuesday, April 07, 2009 11:29 AM
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: County Council Meeting 3
Attachments: HB1226CoH81.09.doc Jo
Aloha: 5
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Please submit attached testimony to the Hawaii County Council Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 8, 2009
at 10:00 A.M. in Hilo, Hawaii.
Mahalo,
Loren Mochida
808-966-7435
Comm. No._ S ?
Ref. To:-
Ref. Date APR 0~
4/7/2009
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TROPICAL
HAWAIIAN PRODUCTS
P.O. Box 210
Keaau, Hawaii 96749
Phone (808) 966-7435
Fax (808) 966-7367
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TESTIMONY BEFORE THE HAWAII COUNTY COUN( ILA
-13
RESOLUTION 81-09 :
IV 4~
RELATING TO GENETICALLY MODIFIED PLANT ORGANISMS)
APRIL 2009
Dear Chairman Yoshimoto & Members of the Council:
VERY STRONGLY OPPOSE
My name is Loren Mochida, General Manager of Tropical Hawaiian Products (THP) in Keaau,
Hawaii. THP is a processor and exporter of Hawaiian Premium papayas to CONUS and Japan
and represents over 50 papaya growers. I am also a Director on the Hawaii Papaya Industry
Association (HPIA) Board.
THP STRONGLY OPPOSES Resolution 81-09 urging opposition to HB 1226, HD 1, preempting
certain state administrative regulatory actions and county regulatory actions relating to
genetically modified plant organisms.
Adoption of Ordinances by local government diminish the rights of farmers who rely on the tools
of biotechnology to deal with pests, diseases and other environment challenges. This resolution is
specifically targeting the Papaya Industry once again.
HB 1226, HD1 ensures that regulatory oversight of agriculture biotechnology remain with the
appropriate governing entity - the federal and state governments, including the FDA, USDA,
EPA, and State DOA. During these difficult economic times, the counties are ill-equipped to deal
with agriculture or biotechnology and lack the necessary expertise, experience and resources to
regulate the industry.
TROPICAL HAWAIIAN PRODUCTS
April 7, 2009
page 2
Genetic engineering is a tool that can be used when biological controls, chemical applications, or
soil health does not address the devastation caused by pests and viruses.
Research and approvals of all biotechnology crops takes years to complete. The research to
develop the transgenic Rainbow papaya took approximately ten (10) years to develop.
Responsible biotechnology provides a vital set of tools that offers real hope for a better future.
We urge the Council to seriously consider NOT passing this Resolution 81-09
Thank you for the opportunity to testify on Resolution 81-09.