HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0225.022 2008-2010
Murashige, Laura
From: langberg@roadrunner.com
Sent: Monday, April 06, 2009 6:06 PM ` s- .
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: testimony in support of Resolution No. 81-09
2009 APR 7 AM 7 21
Dear elected officials:
Please vote yes on this resolution! It is again a travesty that ofQ kVLou`l~d wWOPA alter
the genetic make up of two of Hawaii's most renown and precious crops; Kona Coffee and
Taro. Hawaii County Council Member Pete Hoffman has introduced Resolution No. 81-09 urging
OPPOSITION to the "GMO Pre-emption Bill" (HB 1226). HB 1226 is backed by Mainland
chemical and bio-engineering companies and is currently being considered by the State
Legislature. Among other reasons for opposition, the Resolution states: HB 1226 "would
usurp county authority to set future agricultural policy regarding genetically modified
organisms and thereby repudiate home rule principles without just cause." The Maui County
Council has already passed a similar ordinance.These bills are a threat to the livelihood
of us farmers and the agriculture of Hawaiian coffee and taro. Quoting from an article by
Amanda Spaur from The Big Island Weekly Feb. 25, 2009: "After explaining the technical
process involved with genetic engineering, how little is known about the likelihood of
error, and how there is no technology that could reverse the effects of releasing GMO into
the environment." The article also discusses the health affects occurring in India from
Monsanto and that safety evaluations are not required by the FDA in order to release GMO
foodstuffs into the market.
We are Kona Coffe, avocado, mango, and various fruit farmers in Kealakekua, Hawaii and are
grateful for your vote to keep Hawaiian agriculture GMO free!
Mahalo,
Maureen and Frederick Langberg
81-6360 Keopuka Rd. Kealakekua, HI 96750
Comm. No. X:)L-S. 2z
Ref. To: Ftesea e I
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