HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0225.023 2008-2010
Testimony Presented Before the
Hawaii County Council
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Ching Yuan Hu
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Resolution 81-09: Opposing HB 1226 HD1 .a .
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Dear Council Members: i,
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My name is Ching Yuan Hu, and I serve as Associate Dean and Associate Director of tie.
University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (A AH
I am pleased to provide personal testimony on Resolution 81-09, which opposes HB-1226 HD1.
This testimony does not represent the position of the University of Hawaii or CTAHR.
The purpose of HB 1226 HD1 is to address genetically modified plant organisms by preempting
any state administrative regulatory action or county regulatory action that bans or restricts
certain activities relating to genetically modified plant organisms, with an exception from the
preemption for any county ordinance that became effective before January 1, 2009. The
purpose of Resolution is to oppose HB 1226 HD1.
I oppose Resolution 81-09. HB 1226 HD1 is needed to allow university researchers to continue
using all available scientific tools to develop solutions which make agriculture viable in Hawaii.
Without further research using all available tools, CTAHR faculty cannot respond to the needs of
our farmers. HB 1226 HD1 is needed to allow our farmers to grow their business, and provide
locally grown products, reducing reliance on environmentally damaging imports. This new
regulation will hurt farmers in Hawaii County and their ability to compete with farmers on other
islands.
Therefore, I oppose Resolution 81-09. Thank you for the opportunity to testify on this resolution.
Comm. No. I) S. ~-J
Ref. To: P!sseated
Ref. Date APR 0 8 2nng